India’s long-delayed Project 75(I), involving the construction of six advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy, could see movement soon, with the proposal expected to come before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), according to sources.
The project, estimated at around Rs 70,000 crore, envisages building the submarines in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
The programme has faced prolonged delays, with negotiations between the two sides repeatedly held up over commercial terms and technical requirements. A clearance from the CCS would pave the way for the contract to be signed and construction to begin.
The submarines are expected to feature air-independent propulsion (AIP), allowing them to remain submerged for longer periods than conventional diesel-electric submarines. They are also likely to be equipped with advanced sensors, torpedoes, missiles and electronic warfare systems.
The project is significant for the Navy, which is facing a shortage of conventional submarines. The six boats are expected to strengthen India’s underwater surveillance, stealth and strike capabilities, particularly amid increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean.
Beyond adding submarines to the fleet, Project 75(I) is also aimed at expanding India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The programme is expected to involve technology transfer and greater participation by Indian companies in submarine construction, maintenance and future upgrades.
TKMS has already been expanding its network of Indian partnerships. The German company has signed an agreement with Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies covering the development, construction and integration of heavyweight torpedoes.
TKMS subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK is also working with VEM on integration and testing, with the partnership including technology transfer and a proposed Make-in-India torpedo project.
The German company has additionally partnered Mumbai-based CFF Fluid Control on anti-submarine warfare systems and is exploring further collaborations with Indian firms, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
India and TKMS also have a longstanding naval connection. The Indian Navy has operated German-designed Type 209/1500 Shishumar-class submarines, some of which were built at MDL from the 1980s.
The proposed TKMS-MDL partnership would build on that relationship while placing greater emphasis on domestic production and technology transfer.
If approved by the CCS, the next stages would include contract signing and finalising production timelines, work-sharing arrangements, technology transfer and long-term maintenance responsibilities.
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