Germany Submarine hub in India: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a leading German defense company, is competing for a €5 billion (₹44,000 crore) contract to supply six diesel-electric stealth submarines to the Indian Navy under Project 75-India (P75-I). TKMS has partnered with India’s state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for this bid, one of the largest ‘Make in India’ defense projects in recent years.
Germany Submarine hub in India
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard highlighted plans to make India a global hub for submarine and warship production, citing the growing demand for naval platforms due to geopolitical tensions. Burkhard expressed optimism about a long-term partnership with India, supported by bipartisan backing in Germany for strengthening bilateral defense ties.
TKMS is competing against a joint venture of Spanish defense firm Navantia and Larsen & Toubro Ltd, with the Ministry of Defense expected to finalize the winner soon. Beyond this contract, TKMS aims to contribute to India’s strategic role in naval production.
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ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhard Reaffirms Commitment to India
According to ThePrint, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) CEO Oliver Burkhard reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transferring critical technologies to India and supporting the nation in becoming a global hub for submarine and warship production. He emphasized that building submarines in India would be cost-effective compared to Europe and highlighted TKMS’s intent to collaborate with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) to manufacture submarines for both domestic use and export.
Burkhard pointed out that deeper cooperation between India and Germany is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, especially given China’s increasing assertiveness. TKMS, a world leader in non-nuclear submarines, offers air-independent propulsion technology, aligning with India’s defense requirements. Their proven platforms, used by multiple navies globally, provide a reliable and advanced option for enhancing India’s security.
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India-Germany Strategic Partnership Project
The project aligns with India’s Strategic Partnership Model, aimed at reducing import dependency by enabling domestic defense firms to work with global leaders. Approved in 2021, the €5 billion project for six conventional submarines will include significant local content, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance.
Burkhard underscored Germany’s focus on strengthening defense ties with India, comparing the partnership to Germany’s strong relationships with Japan and Australia. The strategic partnership between India and Germany, established in 2000 and bolstered by high-level intergovernmental consultations since 2011, continues to grow with this potential collaboration.
