Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) announced that it has begun contract negotiations with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for Project 75(I), a flagship initiative to build six advanced conventional submarines in India. The deal is expected to be the country’s largest defence procurement to date.

The Indian submarine programme has entered a crucial new phase as MDL begins formal negotiations with the Indian procurement authority for the construction of next-generation submarines. The agreement represents a major milestone in India’s efforts to expand indigenous naval capability while securing vital technology transfers from Germany.

As part of Project 75(I), six state-of-the-art submarines designed by TKMS will be license-built in India by MDL. The project is expected to strengthen industrial and strategic ties between India and Germany, reflecting a shared commitment to technological cooperation and maritime security.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, said: “India’s rise as a maritime power is only just beginning. I am convinced that India will develop into a global centre for submarine technology and manufacturing. Our partnership with MDL is based on trust, innovation, and shared goals that go far beyond individual contracts.”

For India, the step marks a leap in naval modernisation and the “Made in India” initiative through local manufacturing and technology absorption. For Germany, it highlights support for one of Asia’s largest conventional submarine programmes.

Following recent high-level exchanges, TKMS, MDL, and government representatives have pledged to elevate Indo-German cooperation in the naval sector and fundamentally strengthen India’s defence industry. TKMS aims to transfer submarine design know-how to India, while MDL is expected to gain the capacity to absorb the technology and develop future submarines in India.

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Published By:

Aashish Vashistha

Published On:

Sep 12, 2025