MDL-TKMS Poised to Secure India’s P75I Submarine Deal as Navy Nears Crucial Decision

The Indian Navy is on the verge of making a pivotal decision in its ambitious Project 75 India (P75I) submarine program, with the MDL-TKMS partnership emerging as the leading contender. This strategic initiative aims to bolster India’s underwater defense capabilities with six cutting-edge conventional submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. After years of delay, the decision is expected to significantly enhance India's maritime strength.

The P75I project, part of India’s larger 30-year submarine-building plan, has experienced numerous setbacks since its inception. Initially, the plan envisioned 24 conventional submarines, but it was later adjusted to include 18 conventional submarines and six nuclear-powered ones. Currently, the Indian Navy operates 16 conventional submarines, including five Scorpene-class boats built under the earlier Project 75. The upcoming induction of the sixth Scorpene-class submarine later this year will round off this batch, but the P75I submarines are meant to address future threats with more advanced capabilities.

At the heart of the P75I deal is the collaboration between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a state-owned Indian shipyard, and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), one of the global leaders in submarine technology. The MDL-TKMS bid has surged ahead, thanks to its successful demonstration of a fully operational AIP system during the field evaluation trials (FET). This sea-proven system, a crucial feature for extended underwater endurance, is a key factor in the Navy's recommendation. The ability of AIP to allow submarines to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing makes it a game-changer in modern naval warfare.

In contrast, Spain’s Navantia, another competitor in the bidding process, struggled to meet this critical requirement. Their AIP-equipped submarine isn’t expected to be operational until 2026, making the MDL-TKMS bid more attractive to the Navy, which seeks a proven system to minimize risks in deployment. The presence of a proven AIP system significantly reduces the potential for technical and operational setbacks that could arise from the introduction of untested technologies.

Beyond the technical advantages, the deal holds substantial geopolitical implications. The selection of the MDL-TKMS consortium comes at a time of increasing maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, making the modernization of India’s submarine fleet a pressing need. The decision also coincides with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s upcoming visit to India in October, where the submarine deal is expected to be a major talking point. Although a formal contract may not be signed during his visit, the discussions will reflect the progress made and may further solidify India-Germany defense ties.

Project 75I is not only about strengthening India’s naval capabilities but also aims to push forward the country’s vision of self-reliance in defense manufacturing. A stipulation of the contract is the gradual increase in indigenous content, contributing to the "Make in India" initiative and enhancing the local defense industry. The submarines will be built domestically, leveraging the expertise of MDL, which has a long history of constructing submarines, including the Scorpene class under a similar arrangement with France.

The upcoming decision on the P75I submarine deal is viewed as a watershed moment for India's maritime strategy. As the region’s security environment becomes increasingly complex, having a fleet equipped with advanced technologies such as AIP will enable the Indian Navy to maintain a tactical edge, particularly in long-endurance missions where staying undetected is crucial. Additionally, this project will ensure that India continues to develop its domestic defense capabilities, positioning it as a strong player in the global defense market.

The MDL-TKMS bid has clearly demonstrated its superiority in terms of technical readiness, and its selection could bring about a new chapter in India’s naval history. With a decision expected soon, the Navy is moving closer to securing a long-term solution to its submarine capability requirements, ensuring that the country remains a formidable force in the region’s maritime domain.