Indian Navy’s Project-75(I) for procurement of 75 Submarines is moving towards completion with India and Germany, with the signing of a game-changing submarine deal. The project also includes the development of six advanced conventional submarines (SSNs) equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) that will boost India’s underwater warfare capability. The project is being led by Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The agreement facilitates the transfer of technology and production in India for the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” programmes of the Indian Government. If signed, it will likely turn out to be one of India’s biggest defence deals and a significant step for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
India-Germany Submarine Deal Nears Finalisation: Key Highlights
- The Project-75 (I) submarine acquisition programme is the umbrella of the agreement.
- The project is looking to supply the Indian Navy with six next-generation diesel-electric submarines.
- The programme is run collaboratively with MDL, India, by TKMS, Germany.
- The submarines will have Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for their extended underwater mission time.
- AIP technology enables the prolonged submerged submarines, creating a low level of detection.
- The approximate cost of the project is estimated to be in the range of $8–10 billion (approximately ₹70,000–90,000 crore).
- All the six submarine is being designed in India as part of the ” Make in India” initiative.
- There was a significant rise in indigenous content expected as progressively more content was produced for the sixth submarine than for the first. The proportion of indigenous content was projected to grow from 45% in submarine 1 to around 60% in submarine 6.
- There is substantial Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Germany to India involved in the project.
- The subs are expected to have state-of-the-art stealth, sensors and fighting mechanisms.
- The agreement is likely to bolster India’s national conventional submarine fleet as it faces challenges in the maritime domain in its region.
- The design of Project 75(I) is considered by the Indian Navy as a significant improvement from the current conventional submarines.
- The programme will enhance India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The project aims to further strengthen Germany’s long-term defence cooperation with India and Germany.
- The agreement is likely to promote self-reliance in the defence industry and create jobs.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
| Exam | Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| UPSC Prelims | 2024 | Project-75(I) is associated with the acquisition of which military platform? | A. Fighter Aircraft B. Helicopters C. Submarines D. Aircraft Carriers | C. Submarines |
| CDS | 2023 | Which class of submarines is being built in India under Project-75? | A. Kilo Class B. Scorpene Class C. Akula Class D. Type-209 Class | B. Scorpene Class |
| AFCAT | 2023 | INS Kalvari belongs to which class of submarines? | A. Arihant Class B. Scorpene Class C. Kilo Class D. Shishumar Class | B. Scorpene Class |
| NDA | 2022 | Which was the first submarine commissioned under Project-75? | A. INS Khanderi B. INS Karanj C. INS Kalvari D. INS Vagshir | C. INS Kalvari |
| CAPF AC | 2022 | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is located in which city? | A. Kochi B. Visakhapatnam C. Mumbai D. Chennai | C. Mumbai |
| SSC CGL | 2021 | INS Khanderi is a: | A. Destroyer B. Frigate C. Submarine D. Aircraft Carrier | C. Submarine |
| RRB NTPC | 2021 | Which country collaborated with India for the Scorpene submarine project? | A. Russia B. Germany C. France D. USA | C. France |
| UPSC Prelims | 2020 | INS Arihant is an example of: | A. Diesel-electric submarine B. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine C. Aircraft Carrier D. Destroyer | B. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine |
| SSC GD | 2020 | Which Indian submarine’s name means “Tiger Shark”? | A. Kalvari B. Karanj C. Vela D. Vagir | A. Kalvari |
| CDS | 2019 | The headquarters of the Indian Navy is located in: | A. Mumbai B. Kochi C. New Delhi D. Visakhapatnam | C. New Delhi |
Conclusion: Strategic Importance of Project-75(I)
The India-Germany submarine deal is a significant move towards enhancing Indian naval capabilities and maritime deterrence. Project-75 (I) will enable India to acquire submarines with the ‘Advanced Integrated Periscope’ (AIP) technology as well as transfer technology and increase the indigenous production for the defence sector in India. The project will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence and boost the country’s underwater capability. This programme, if successfully executed, will augment India’s geopolitical reach, bolster sea lanes of communication and fortify India’s national security in the Indian Ocean Region as geopolitical competitions in the region increase.
