New Delhi: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India later this month with a high-ranking ministerial delegation and industry representatives including the CEO of thyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tKMS), coincides with the Indian Navy’s evaluation of bids for the Project 75 India (P75I) submarine program which is final stages.
Project 75 India (P75I) involves the construction of six conventional diesel-electric submarines, equipped with cutting-edge Air Independent Propulsion Systems (AIP).
It is expected that the decision regarding the P75I project may coincide with the Chancellor’s visit, though no formal agreement is likely to be signed during the Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC). According to defence sources, the final report from the Field Evaluation Trial (FET) conducted by the Indian Navy will soon be sent to the Ministry of Defence, setting the stage for further negotiations. The Indian Navy is set to recommend the joint bid between the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and German naval giant tKMS. The German delegation is expected to receive updates on the progress of the selection process.
Under India’s strategic partnership model, P75I is the first submarine project with MDL and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) being the two shortlisted Indian companies. Both firms were invited to submit proposals in collaboration with their respective foreign partners, with tKMS working alongside MDL and Spain’s Navantia partnering with L&T. tKMS, in collaboration with MDL, has positioned itself as a strong contender in this competition- considering the proven performance of its AIP technology. The FET conducted by the Indian Navy required the AIP to be tested onboard a submarine at sea. While tKMS successfully demonstrated its AIP technology, Navantia’s submarine with AIP is not expected to be operational until 2026. This gives tKMS a significant edge, as the Indian Navy has been clear about its preference for a proven, sea-tested AIP system.
Having specified that the AIP must be safe, reliable, and fully functional to avoid the risk of delays, cost overruns, and integration challenges, Indian Navy’s need for a proven AIP system cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for enhancing the submarine’s stealth and operational capabilities. “The requirement of a sea-proven AIP assumes significance since, unless sea-proven, safe and reliable for its designed functionality, the AIP system will expose the programme to significant technical and operational risks,” a senior source explained.
Navantia’s delay in operationalising their AIP submarine has created doubts about the readiness of their technology for India’s immediate needs. Meanwhile, tKMS’s fuel-cell-based AIP technology, combined with lithium-ion batteries, fits this requirement perfectly and this technical advantage strengthens tKMS’s bid, along with the longstanding relationship between India and Germany in naval technology.
Built under the P75I project, the submarines will feature advanced stealth capabilities, differing from the current models in the Indian Navy’s arsenal. The transfer of design from the foreign collaborator to the Indian shipbuilder is a key aspect of the deal, ensuring that India gains the expertise required for indigenous submarine production in the future. After the contract is signed, the first submarine is expected to be delivered seven years. Although this timeline places the earliest delivery around 2031, once the production line is established, additional submarines are expected to be delivered annually. By the time the fourth submarine is constructed, 60% of its components will be sourced from within India, up from 45% for the first.
A critical part of India’s long-delayed 30-year submarine-building plan, which originally envisioned the construction of 24 conventional submarines, Project 75I was revised under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, to focus on building 18 conventional and six nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), aimed at countering the growing naval capabilities of China and Pakistan. India’s current fleet consists of 16 conventional submarines, including five French Scorpene-class vessels, four German HDW-class submarines, and seven Russian Kilo-class submarines.
However, the operational availability remains a challenge, with only the newer Scorpene-class submarines consistently available for deployment, sources emphasised. Commissioned in the 1980s, the aging Kilo-class submarines are approaching the end of their operational lifespan despite undergoing upgrades. In contrast, the German HDW submarines, renowned for their reliability, are expected to remain operational for another 10 to 15 years.
Considering Germany’s longstanding expertise in submarine design and construction, tKMS and MDL’s strong partnership positions them favorably. Also, the German government is keen to finalise the deal through a government-to-government agreement, underscoring the importance of this project in strengthening bilateral ties.
With proven performance of tKMS’ AIP technology, combined with the strategic alignment between India and Germany, positions tKMS and MDL partnership as the frontrunner and most viable option for modernising India’s submarine fleet, although the final decision is yet to be made.
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