India-Germany Submarine Deal Nears Final Approval After Years of Delays

India’s long-delayed Project 75(I) programme to construct six advanced conventional submarines is moving closer to a decisive stage. The proposal, estimated at around Rs 70,000 crore, is expected to be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security in the near future. Approval would clear the path for a formal contract between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, bringing one of the Indian Navy’s most significant modernisation efforts closer to realisation after prolonged negotiations.

India has already built six Kalvari-class submarines at MDL with French assistance under Project 75. Representative Photo: File/PTI | Firstpost

Background and Current Status

Project 75(I) has faced repeated delays over technical requirements, commercial terms and the scope of technology transfer. Recent developments indicate that the remaining hurdles are being addressed, positioning the project for final government consideration. The Finance Ministry had earlier cleared the financial aspects, leaving the Cabinet Committee on Security as the principal decision-making body. Once approval is granted, contract finalisation and detailed work-share arrangements between the Indian shipyard and its German partner are expected to follow.

German officials have expressed optimism about an early conclusion of the agreement. Cost estimates in different assessments have ranged from approximately Rs 70,000 crore to higher figures near €8 billion, reflecting variations in the final package of technology, systems and long-term support.

Capabilities of the New Submarines

The six submarines under Project 75(I) will incorporate air-independent propulsion systems. This technology enables conventional diesel-electric boats to remain submerged for considerably longer periods without the need to surface or use a snorkel, thereby improving stealth and operational endurance. The vessels are also planned to feature modern sensors, torpedoes, missiles and electronic warfare systems that will strengthen their ability to conduct surveillance, sea-denial and strike missions.

The design draws on ThyssenKrupp’s Type 214 family of submarines. Construction will take place primarily in India at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai under the Strategic Partnership model. The first boat is expected to achieve a minimum of 45 per cent indigenous content, with the proportion rising toward 60 per cent by the sixth vessel. Delivery of the lead submarine is projected approximately seven years after the contract is signed, with subsequent boats following at intervals of about one year.

Expanding Industrial Collaboration

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has been steadily expanding its presence in India even before the main contract is concluded. The company has entered into an agreement with Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies covering the development, production, integration and future modernisation of heavyweight torpedoes. Its subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK is also participating, with VEM responsible for integration and testing in India. This arrangement has developed into a broader teaming agreement that includes technology transfer and supports a Make-in-India torpedo programme.

Additional partnerships have been established with Mumbai-based CFF Fluid Control for anti-submarine warfare systems, and further cooperation with Indian industry and research organisations is under exploration. These steps point to a longer-term German interest in India’s underwater warfare sector beyond the immediate Project 75(I) boats.

Strategic Importance for the Navy

The programme arrives at a time when the Navy’s conventional submarine fleet is under pressure from ageing platforms and the planned retirement of older vessels over the next decade. India has already completed six Kalvari-class submarines at Mazagon Dock with French assistance under Project 75, the last of which, INS Vagsheer, entered service in January 2025. Project 75(I) is intended to maintain continuity in submarine production while introducing more advanced capabilities.

Increased Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean has added further urgency to the requirement. The new submarines are expected to enhance India’s capacity for underwater surveillance, monitoring of shipping routes and extended patrols across the region. Officials regard the project as important both for immediate force levels and for the progressive development of domestic expertise in submarine design, construction, maintenance and upgrades.

Technology Transfer and Long-Term Goals

The core strategic objective of the partnership lies in meaningful technology transfer rather than simple acquisition of platforms. The collaboration builds on India’s earlier experience with German submarine technology, notably the Type 209/1500 Shishumar-class boats, several of which were constructed at Mazagon Dock from the 1980s onward. The new arrangement places stronger emphasis on local production and the gradual strengthening of indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities.

Negotiations have covered engineering services, advanced components including the air-independent propulsion system, and flexible combat-system solutions. Some assessments also refer to an option for additional boats beyond the initial six. Successful execution of the programme would contribute to India’s broader aim of greater self-reliance in undersea warfare systems.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s long-delayed Project 75(I) submarine programme appears to be nearing a decisive stage, with the proposed ₹70,000-crore deal expected to move before the Cabinet Committee on Security. The partnership between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems could give the Indian Navy six advanced conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion, modern sensors, weapons and electronic warfare systems. More importantly, the programme is designed to strengthen submarine production in India, with indigenous content expected to increase from the first vessel to the sixth.

The significance of the project extends beyond adding six submarines to the Navy’s fleet. At a time when India is seeking to strengthen its underwater capabilities amid growing maritime activity in the Indian Ocean, Project 75(I) can provide both operational depth and industrial continuity. The expanding cooperation between German and Indian companies in areas such as torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare systems also indicates that the partnership could develop into a wider defence-industrial relationship. If implemented effectively, the programme can help India gain advanced submarine technologies while strengthening domestic manufacturing, maintenance and future upgrade capabilities. The focus now is on converting years of negotiations into a timely agreement that delivers both stronger naval preparedness and greater self-reliance in undersea warfare.

(Sources: Firstpost, NDTV, India Today)