HYDERABAD. In a significant move toward strengthening India’s maritime defence and technological sovereignty, Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies and German naval giant ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) through its subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, have officially signed a Teaming Agreement for the joint production of heavyweight torpedoes in India.
The agreement, signed in the presence of top leadership from both organisations, marks the transition of their partnership from a preliminary memorandum of understanding (signed in September 2025) to a concrete industrial collaboration.
A Roadmap for Subsurface Supremacy
The partnership is designed to be a multi-stage evolution of India’s naval manufacturing capabilities. The immediate focus is the production of advanced heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s existing submarine fleet.
Key pillars of the agreement include:
- Technology Transfer: TKMS, through its subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, will provide VEM with the necessary technology, intellectual property, and software licenses.
- Local Manufacturing: The torpedoes will be produced at Indian facilities, directly supporting the government’s “Make-in-India” initiative.
- Future Joint Venture: The companies intend to establish a long-term Joint Venture (JV) in the medium term to supply the Indian market and explore global export opportunities.
During the signing ceremony, Michael Ozegowski, Executive Vice President of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, emphasised the strategic depth of the deal. He said, “With this Teaming Agreement, we are completing the next important milestone in our strategic partnership… The transfer of our torpedo technology enables VEM to make a decisive contribution to strengthening the Indian Navy and to India’s technological independence.”
The event was attended by a high-profile delegation, including VEM Chairman and Managing Director V Venkata Raju and TKMS (India) Senior Vice President Cmde AJ Singh (Retd), signaling the high priority both nations place on this defence corridor project.
Strengthening the Indian Defence Ecosystem
VEM Technologies, a leader in design and manufacture of weapon and air-based systems, is now positioned to become a critical hub for underwater warfare systems. By integrating German engineering with Indian manufacturing prowess, the deal aims to reduce dependency on foreign imports for critical naval ammunition.
The Giants Behind the Deal
This collaboration not only secures the Indian Navy’s immediate requirements but also sets the stage for future indigenous torpedo programmes, potentially making India a net exporter of high-tech naval weaponry in the coming decade.
Under this agreement, three domain experts will come together; Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies, a specialist in weapon systems, aero-structures, and defence manufacturing, will work together with TKMS (Germany), the world-leading naval system supplier with 185 years of history; experts in submarines and maritime electronics, and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, a part of the of the TKMS Group will provide the core torpedo technology and software for this project.
TKMS is one of the world’s leading naval companies with more than 9,100 employees based at its three shipyards in Kiel, Wismar and Itajaí (Brazil), and other locations worldwide. The company is a key system supplier for submarines and naval surface vessels as well as for maritime electronics and security technologies. Around 3,300 employees work at the Kiel site, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany. 185 years of history and the constant striving for improvement allow the company to set new standards time and time again. TKMS offers its customers worldwide tailored solutions to meet the highly complex challenges of a changing world. The driving forces behind this innovative energy are the company’s employees, who shape the future of TKMS with passion and commitment every day.
