New Delhi: India is moving closer to finalising its long delayed Project 75(I) submarine programme, with a proposal for the ₹70,000 crore defence deal expected to be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the coming days.
The ambitious project involves the construction of six next generation conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. The vessels will be built primarily in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), significantly strengthening the country’s indigenous naval manufacturing capabilities.
If approved, the project will mark one of India’s largest defence manufacturing initiatives under the Make in India programme. The submarines are expected to feature Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, allowing them to remain submerged for much longer than conventional diesel electric submarines, while also carrying advanced sensors, heavyweight torpedoes, missiles and electronic warfare systems.
Beyond acquiring new submarines, Project 75(I) is aimed at developing long term domestic expertise in submarine construction, maintenance, modernisation and future design. Officials are evaluating the extent of technology transfer to ensure Indian shipyards gain the capability to manufacture and upgrade complex underwater platforms rather than merely assemble imported components.
Meanwhile, TKMS has expanded its presence in India through partnerships with domestic defence companies. It has signed agreements with VEM Technologies for heavyweight torpedo development and with CFF Fluid Control for anti submarine warfare systems, while exploring further collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The project comes at a crucial time as the Indian Navy faces a shortage of conventional submarines amid increasing Chinese underwater activity in the Indian Ocean. It also builds on India’s long standing partnership with German submarine technology, following the successful operation of the Shishumar class and the indigenous construction of the Kalvari class fleet at MDL.
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