India is on the verge of bolstering its underwater combat capabilities with a monumental ₹99,000 crore deal to procure six advanced submarines from German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). This initiative, part of the Indian Navy’s Project 75I programme, will involve the construction of the submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has already approved the draft Cabinet note for the project. The proposal is now set to undergo final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additional approvals are required from the Finance Ministry and the National Security Council.
These new submarines will feature cutting-edge Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, a significant upgrade that enhances underwater endurance and stealth capabilities. Unlike traditional diesel-electric submarines, which must periodically surface to recharge their batteries, AIP-equipped submarines can remain submerged for extended durations, offering a tactical advantage by making them less detectable.
This acquisition will introduce the first AIP-equipped conventional submarines into the Indian Navy’s fleet, marking a significant technological advancement for India’s underwater warfare capabilities. The selection of TKMS submarines followed rigorous evaluations of various options, with the final competition narrowed down to the German design versus a Spanish model. After comprehensive trials and thorough technical assessments, the German submarines emerged as the preferred choice.
India’s existing submarine fleet comprises 16 conventional submarines, which are a mix of six Kilo-class submarines of Soviet/Russian origin, four HDW submarines from Germany, and six Scorpene-class submarines developed with French collaboration. Many of the Kilo-class submarines are over three decades old and are expected to be phased out in the near future. With the addition of these AIP submarines, India aims to gradually replace its ageing platforms, thereby enhancing its underwater combat strength.
The project also aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, emphasizing domestic production and technology transfer from TKMS. This deal not only focuses on submarine construction but also encompasses essential training and infrastructure development necessary for supporting the advanced submarine program.
The strategic significance of Project 75I cannot be overstated, particularly as it plays a crucial role in sustaining India’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), amidst rising naval competition and an increasing submarine presence from neighboring countries. The induction of these advanced submarines is anticipated to improve stealth, endurance, and operational flexibility, ensuring that the Indian Navy maintains a credible underwater deterrent for the foreseeable future.
