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| German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems designed Type-214 subamrine on offer to Indian Navy under Project-75I submarie program |
The Indian Navy is preparing for a major boost to its underwater warfare capabilities with a proposal to acquire nine cutting-edge submarines under the ambitious Project 75 (India), or P-75(I).
As per top government sources, this high-value acquisition—estimated between ₹90,000 crore and ₹1 trillion—is currently awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The proposal details an initial procurement of six submarines, with a follow-on option to acquire three more vessels one year after the initial contract is inked. This phased acquisition aligns with the guidelines laid out in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
This development marks a significant strategic shift in India’s submarine acquisition program, potentially transitioning from its long-standing partnership with France to a new collaboration with Germany.
In the previous Project 75, French defense major Naval Group partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to deliver six Kalvari-class submarines (a version of the French Scorpene design) between 2006 and 2015.
Under the P-75(I) initiative, MDL is expected to partner with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build a new generation of submarines equipped with advanced features and technologies.
This proposed Indo-German deal could significantly affect the Indian Navy’s earlier plan to expand the Kalvari-class fleet. That earlier proposal included building three more Scorpene-class submarines at MDL, incorporating an indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system to boost underwater endurance.
However, the ₹36,000 crore expansion plan has encountered delays, particularly in finalizing the indigenous AIP technology. Additionally, there is increasing agreement among defense officials that the Scorpene-class represents a previous generation of submarine technology.
A senior government official familiar with the matter noted a clear change in direction, confirming that no further orders for the Scorpene-class under Project 75 are currently on the table.
This signals a decisive move towards investing in more advanced, future-ready submarines. The P-75(I) subs are expected to incorporate enhanced stealth features and come equipped with a proven AIP system from the outset.
The AIP system is a game-changing technology that allows conventional (non-nuclear) submarines to stay submerged for far longer durations without surfacing. This dramatically improves operational range, endurance, and stealth, giving a strategic edge over conventional diesel-electric subs that must surface frequently to recharge batteries.
For the Indian Navy, this capability is becoming increasingly critical as it looks to counter the growing maritime footprint of China in the Indian Ocean Region.
The final green light for this landmark submarine acquisition now lies with the Cabinet Committee on Security. Its decision will not only shape the future strength of India’s submarine fleet but also redefine key international defense partnerships for years to come.
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