India’s Biggest Conventional Submarine Project Enters Final Phase
India is on the verge of concluding one of its largest-ever naval procurement programmes, with the proposed ₹90,000 crore Project-75(I) expected to strengthen the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capability for decades to come.
Recent statements by German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann indicate that the long-awaited agreement could be signed soon, marking a major milestone in India-Germany defence cooperation. However, the final contract has not yet been officially signed, and key commercial and contractual formalities remain.
The programme envisages the construction of six next-generation conventional submarines in India, combining advanced foreign technology with indigenous manufacturing under the Government’s Make in India initiative.
What is Project-75(I)?
Project-75(I) is the Indian Navy’s flagship programme to acquire six advanced diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
The project is intended to significantly enhance India’s underwater warfare capability by replacing ageing assets with modern submarines capable of remaining submerged for extended periods while carrying advanced weapons and sensors.
Why Does India Need New Submarines?
India faces an increasingly challenging maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The new submarines are expected to help:
- Strengthen underwater deterrence
- Improve surveillance in the Indian Ocean
- Counter expanding Chinese naval deployments
- Enhance operational readiness against regional threats
- Protect sea lanes and strategic maritime interests
- Support long-range covert operations
Modern submarines are considered among the most effective platforms for intelligence gathering, sea denial, anti-ship warfare and anti-submarine operations.
Germany’s TKMS Emerges as the Leading Partner
The programme is expected to be executed through a partnership between:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
- ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany
MDL will construct the submarines in India while TKMS will provide the design, critical technologies and technical expertise under agreed technology-transfer arrangements.
Type-214: The Submarine at the Centre of the Deal
The proposed submarines are expected to be based on TKMS’s Type-214 design, one of the world’s most capable conventional submarine platforms.
Key Features
- Advanced stealth design
- Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
- Long underwater endurance
- Reduced acoustic signature
- Modern combat management systems
- Heavyweight torpedo capability
- Anti-ship missile capability
- Advanced sonar suite
These features make the Type-214 highly suitable for covert operations and extended underwater patrols.
Air Independent Propulsion (AIP): A Game Changer
One of the most valuable technologies in Project-75(I) is the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.
Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines that must surface or snorkel frequently to recharge batteries, AIP-equipped submarines can remain underwater for significantly longer periods, reducing the risk of detection and improving mission endurance.
Why AIP Matters
The benefits of AIP technology include:
- Greater underwater endurance
- Improved stealth
- Better survivability
- Longer surveillance missions
- Enhanced operational flexibility
- Lower probability of enemy detection
For the Indian Navy, these capabilities are particularly important for operations in the Indian Ocean and other strategic maritime regions.
Make in India at the Core
Project-75(I) is more than a defence acquisition—it is also an industrial programme aimed at strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.
Expected benefits include:
- Construction of submarines in India
- Technology transfer from Germany
- Development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities
- Creation of skilled jobs
- Growth of the domestic defence supply chain
- Long-term maintenance and lifecycle support within India
The project aligns with the Government’s vision of increasing self-reliance in defence production.
Role of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has extensive experience in submarine construction, having built the Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines in collaboration with France.
Under Project-75(I), MDL is expected to serve as the lead Indian production partner, leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise to manufacture the new submarines domestically.
Technology Transfer: A Key Strategic Benefit
A major focus of negotiations is the transfer of advanced submarine technologies to India.
Technology transfer could include:
- Design expertise
- Manufacturing processes
- Combat system integration
- Maintenance know-how
- Training of Indian personnel
- Long-term industrial capability development
Such transfers are expected to reduce future dependence on foreign suppliers and support India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.
Strategic Importance for the Indian Navy
Project-75(I) is expected to:
- Modernise India’s conventional submarine fleet
- Enhance underwater deterrence
- Improve maritime domain awareness
- Strengthen anti-submarine warfare capabilities
- Increase operational reach in the Indian Ocean
- Support future indigenous submarine development
The programme complements India’s broader naval modernisation plans, which also include aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, nuclear-powered submarines and unmanned maritime systems.
Current Status of the Deal
According to recent public statements:
- Technical and commercial negotiations have progressed significantly.
- German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann has expressed confidence that the agreement could be signed soon.
- The programme is estimated to be worth more than ₹90,000 crore (around €8 billion).
- No final contract has been officially announced yet, and the agreement remains subject to completion of the Government’s procurement process.
Project-75(I) at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Programme | Project-75(I) |
| Estimated Value | Over ₹90,000 crore |
| Number of Submarines | 6 |
| Indian Partner | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) |
| Foreign Technology Partner | ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany |
| Proposed Design | Type-214 class |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) |
| Manufacturing | India under Make in India |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Project-75(I)?
It is the Indian Navy’s programme to build six next-generation conventional submarines with advanced Air Independent Propulsion technology.
Which country is partnering with India?
Germany, through ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), is the expected foreign technology partner alongside Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
How much is the deal worth?
The proposed programme is estimated to be valued at over ₹90,000 crore, though the final contract value will be confirmed only after formal signing.
What is the biggest advantage of AIP technology?
AIP enables conventional submarines to remain submerged for much longer without surfacing, significantly improving stealth and operational endurance.
Has the agreement been signed?
No. As of now, officials have indicated that the deal is nearing finalisation, but the final contract has not yet been officially signed.
Conclusion
The proposed ₹90,000 crore Project-75(I) represents a transformative step in the Indian Navy’s modernisation. By combining advanced German submarine technology with indigenous construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the programme is expected to strengthen India’s underwater warfare capability while advancing the goals of Make in India and defence self-reliance. Once formally approved and signed, it will rank among the country’s most significant defence acquisition programmes, enhancing maritime security and supporting India’s long-term strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.