India-Germany Submarine Deal: Project 75(I), AIP Technology and Strategic Significance

Why in News?

• Germany has expressed readiness to sign a government-to-government agreement with India for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project 75(I). On 23 September 2026, German Ambassador Jasper Wieck said Germany had completed its documentation and was awaiting completion of India’s internal processes.
• The proposed partnership involves Germany’s TKMS and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The submarines would be built in India with technology transfer.

Background

• Project 75(I), also written as P-75(I), seeks to strengthen the Indian Navy’s conventional underwater capabilities through domestic construction of six advanced submarines.
• In June 2021, the Defence Acquisition Council approved issuing the Request for Proposal at an estimated cost of ₹43,000 crore. The Ministry of Defence issued the RFP in July 2021 under the Strategic Partnership Model. That historical estimate should not be confused with current reported valuations.
• The programme envisages Indian industry working with a foreign technology partner to develop submarine construction capabilities. It is distinct from Project 75, under which six Scorpene-design Kalvari-class submarines were built at MDL with French collaboration.

Key Points

1. Six Conventional Submarines

Project 75(I) envisages six AIP-equipped conventional submarines. Its original requirements include modern sensors, torpedoes, missiles and countermeasure systems, together with training, spares and shore support. These are programme requirements; the final contracted configuration should be confirmed through official announcements.

2. Air-Independent Propulsion

AIP increases the time a conventional submarine can operate underwater without accessing atmospheric air for power generation. Fuel-cell-based AIP is a central requirement of Project 75(I).

Longer submerged endurance can improve operational persistence and reduce exposure associated with frequent snorkelling. AIP does not make a submarine nuclear-powered, and it does not provide unlimited endurance.

3. Indian Manufacturing Partnership

MDL would be the Indian shipbuilding partner, while TKMS would contribute submarine technology and associated expertise. The proposed arrangement centres on construction in India, with technology transfer intended to strengthen domestic capabilities.

4. Technology Transfer

Technology transfer can support local manufacturing, integration, maintenance and workforce training. Its actual value depends on the depth of technical knowledge, documentation and rights provided to the Indian partner.

Domestic construction alone does not automatically establish complete indigenous design capability. The final agreement’s provisions will therefore matter as much as the number of submarines ordered.

5. Approval and Contract Status

Germany’s readiness does not mean that India’s approval process is complete. Reporting indicates that Indian clearances, including the process leading to Cabinet Committee on Security approval, remain relevant before signature. No firm delivery schedule should be inferred from the envoy’s statement.

Significance

The following are potential strategic and industrial implications, subject to successful contracting and implementation:

• Stronger underwater capability: Additional submarines could improve the Navy’s ability to sustain patrols and maintain operational availability.
• Greater maritime deterrence: A capable submarine force complicates an adversary’s planning and strengthens India’s options during maritime crises.
• Industrial development: Construction work could expand demand for specialised engineering, components, testing and skilled labour.
• Deeper bilateral cooperation: A long-term programme could connect India and Germany through production, training and maintenance partnerships.

Relevance for India

Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean

India’s trade routes, ports and offshore infrastructure make maritime security a major strategic priority. A stronger conventional submarine fleet could support surveillance and help deny hostile forces freedom of operation in contested waters.

Defence Self-Reliance

The programme could support Atmanirbhar Bharat by developing local suppliers and increasing India’s ability to maintain complex naval platforms. Its contribution would be greater if Indian firms acquire meaningful technical competence and reliable access to critical components.

Strategic Autonomy

An additional major industrial partnership could broaden India’s defence options. However, lasting autonomy would depend on domestic repair capability, assured spares and the ability to undertake future upgrades.

Challenges

• Approval and execution delays: Prolonged negotiations can postpone construction and operational induction.
• Depth of technology transfer: Assembly experience may not provide access to critical design knowledge or intellectual property.
• Cost uncertainty: Final prices must account for equipment, infrastructure, training and long-term support.
• Integration complexity: Propulsion, sensors, weapons and safety systems require extensive testing.
• Industrial readiness: Shipyard capacity and supplier quality must support demanding submarine standards.
• Lifecycle dependence: Imported components can create long-term exposure to overseas supply chains.

These are implementation risks to assess, rather than confirmed defects in the proposed agreement.

Way Forward

1. Define measurable technology-transfer outcomes: Link contractual milestones to training, documentation and demonstrated Indian capability.
2. Prioritise lifecycle support: Secure access to spares, maintenance expertise and upgrade pathways.
3. Set realistic schedules: Coordinate shipyard preparation, supplier development and crew training with construction milestones.
4. Strengthen domestic participation: Enable qualified Indian firms and MSMEs to supply equipment and services.
5. Sustain indigenous research: Ensure foreign collaboration complements Indian development of underwater technologies.
6. Communicate verified milestones: Clearly distinguish negotiations, approvals, contract signature, launch and commissioning.

Conclusion

Project 75(I) could strengthen India’s underwater capabilities and deepen defence-industrial cooperation with Germany. Its long-term contribution will depend on timely delivery, effective technology absorption and domestic maintenance capacity. Germany’s readiness is a significant negotiating milestone, while Indian approvals and contract signature remain essential next steps.

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