The Indian government has given the green light for formal negotiations with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build six advanced submarines under the ambitious Project 75 India program. The Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) have been authorized to move ahead, following a high-level meeting of senior defense and national security officials. Talks are expected to begin by the end of August, with the contract likely to be finalized within six to eight months.
The deal, worth around ₹70,000 crore ($8.4 billion), had been stalled for more than six months. The MDL-ThyssenKrupp partnership emerged as the sole contender after clearing field trials earlier this year, while a rival bid from Larsen & Toubro and Spain’s Navantia fell short of the Indian Navy’s requirements for proven air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems.
Equipped with German AIP technology, the new diesel-electric submarines will be able to remain submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing—a major advantage over conventional submarines that need to recharge every few days. This feature is expected to greatly enhance stealth and endurance during critical missions in contested waters.
The program also carries a strong push for indigenization. The first submarine is expected to include 60% indigenous components, up from the original target of 45%, making the project a major step forward for the “Make in India” initiative. Officials say the effort will help India develop the expertise needed to design and construct advanced submarines domestically, reducing long-term dependence on foreign suppliers.
The timing of this acquisition is seen against the backdrop of China’s rapid naval expansion, with the People’s Liberation Army Navy adding both nuclear and conventional submarines at a fast pace. The Indian Navy currently operates 17 conventional submarines, but only about half are fully operational at any given time due to maintenance cycles—short of the estimated requirement of 24.
The first of the six submarines is expected to be delivered by 2032. Once complete, the project will stand among India’s largest defense acquisitions and mark a critical upgrade in the country’s undersea warfare capabilities.
