New Delhi: India Germany Project 75I submarine deal is moving closer to completion as India and Germany are expected to finalize a defence agreement worth around ₹90,000 crore (€8 billion). The proposed deal aims to build six advanced diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy in India with significant technology transfer from Germany. The project is a major step towards strengthening India’s underwater warfare capabilities and boosting indigenous defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. However, the agreement is yet to receive final approval and has not been formally signed.
What Is Project 75I?
Project 75I is one of the Indian Navy’s biggest modernization programmes. It aims to replace aging submarines with six next-generation conventional attack submarines equipped with advanced stealth features and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
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The submarines are expected to significantly improve India’s underwater combat capability in the Indo-Pacific region.
What Does The Proposed India Germany Project 75I Submarine Deal Include
Six Advanced Submarines To Be Built In India
Under the proposed agreement:
- Six advanced diesel-electric submarines will be built.
- Construction will take place at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
- Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) will provide technology and design support.
- The project includes substantial technology transfer under the Make in India programme.
What Is Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
One of the biggest advantages of the new submarines is fuel-cell based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines that must surface regularly to recharge batteries, AIP allows submarines to remain underwater for up to two to three weeks, making them much harder to detect during operations.
Cost And Current Status Of The India Germany Project 75I Submarine Deal
According to recent reports:
- Commercial negotiations have largely been completed.
- The estimated contract value is around ₹90,000 crore, including lifecycle support and advanced combat systems.
- The proposal is awaiting approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before the final contract can be signed.
Why The Deal Is Strategically Important
The new submarines are expected to:
- Improve underwater endurance.
- Increase stealth and survivability.
- Enhance long-range maritime operations.
- Strengthen India’s deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Replace ageing Soviet-era submarines.
- Support indigenous defence manufacturing through technology transfer.
Technology Transfer Will Boost Make In India
The partnership between MDL and TKMS is expected to bring advanced submarine-building technology to India. This will strengthen India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities, create skilled jobs, and support long-term self-reliance in defence production.
India Germany Project 75I Submarine Deal: Expected Timeline
Once the contract is approved and signed, all six submarines will be built in India. Reports indicate that the first submarine is expected to be delivered around 2033, with production continuing over several years.
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