The vessel, named LÜBECK, was formally christened during a ceremony attended by representatives from government, industry and the Bundeswehr. Among those present were Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, Jürgen Giefer and Jan Lindenau.
The approximately 89-metre-long warship was christened by Huong Nguyen, partner of Lübeck City President Henning Schumann. The event marked the first ship christening ceremony of its kind for Rheinmetall.
“The christening of this vessel marks a special milestone for us and for me personally,” said Armin Papperger.
“After all, this is the first ceremony of its kind for Rheinmetall. Together with our new Naval Systems division and through our leading role in this and other important shipbuilding projects, we are taking responsibility for strengthening the defence capabilities of our country and our NATO partners.”
“My thanks go to all employees and our partners whose dedication is driving the completion of these technologically sophisticated naval units,” Papperger added.
Following the ceremony, LÜBECK will undergo final outfitting work in Hamburg before entering commissioning procedures. The vessel will then complete functional testing and acceptance trials in coordination with German procurement authorities and the navy.
Tim Wagner said the programme had reached another major stage.
“With the christening of the final corvette of the second batch, we have reached an important stage in the overall project,” Wagner said. “Our focus now turns to the upcoming milestones, which will culminate this year with the delivery to our customer of the two corvettes EMDEN and KÖLN.”
The new K130 vessels are designed primarily for coastal operations. Rheinmetall said they are particularly suited to reconnaissance and anti-surface warfare missions in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Mayor Jan Lindenau said the naming of the vessel reflected the city’s ties to Germany’s armed forces.
“That the corvette bears the name of our city is both an honour and a sign of the close ties with our armed forces, who perform a vital service for the security of our country and for peace around the world,” Lindenau said.
“I am delighted that the Navy represents the name of our Hanseatic city and thus also serves as an ambassador for a historic and cosmopolitan port city,” he added.
The new ships are being built by the K130 consortium led by Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division in partnership with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and German Naval Yards Kiel.
