Rheinmetall seeks 12b euros to rescue German warship deal

The defence ministry has previously said that Damen had fallen far behind schedule on the F126 contract and that NVL, or Naval Vessels Luerssen, which was acquired by Rheinmetall in March, could step in as general contractor.

"There are extensive consultations ongoing with two large companies," a ministry spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday.

According to the Financial Times, the offer by Rheinmetall's naval arm includes an inflation clause and a planned first-ship delivery in 2032, four years later than first planned.