Despite TKMS's Proven Record, Its Entirely New Angular Hull Design for P75I Subs Worries Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has reportedly raised significant concerns over a submarine proposal from German defence giant ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the critical Project-75I programme.

While TKMS is a world-renowned submarine manufacturer, its offer for India involves an entirely new and unproven design, creating apprehension about potential developmental delays and unforeseen challenges for the strategically vital project.

TKMS has a strong global reputation built on successful and widely operated platforms like the Type 212 and Type 214 conventional submarines, which are in service with several navies, including those of Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Greece.

However, the model proposed for India deviates from these established designs. It is expected to feature a novel angular hull, a design concept more commonly associated with stealth aircraft.

The purpose of these angular lines is to deflect enemy sonar waves, thereby reducing the submarine's acoustic signature and making it significantly harder to detect underwater.

While the promise of enhanced stealth is attractive, Indian naval officials are wary because the proposed design exists only on paper.

Since no prototype has been built, tested, or validated in real-world conditions, the project would first require extensive technical consultations and a lengthy series of rigorous trials to verify the design's performance and reliability.

This complex developmental process is seen as a major risk factor that could lead to significant delays in a programme already running behind schedule.

This concern extends to the proposed delivery timeline.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, which will be responsible for constructing the submarines in India, has reportedly suggested that the first vessel could be delivered within seven years of the contract being signed.

However, sources within the defence establishment view this timeline as overly optimistic. Factoring in the immense work needed to finalise, test, and productionise a brand-new submarine class, a more realistic delivery date for the first submarine is estimated to be around 2034, even if the contract is finalised by late 2026.

The timely execution of Project-75I is of paramount importance to India's national security. The programme aims to induct six advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) for extended underwater endurance.

The Indian Navy's current underwater fleet is facing a decline in numbers as many of its Russian-origin Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) and German-designed HDW-class (Shishumar-class) submarines are aging.

A timely replacement is crucial for maintaining a credible deterrent in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly as both China and Pakistan continue to modernise and expand their submarine forces.

 

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[emgee]

I'm just speculating here, but I think it's likely that the pressure vessel will be circular.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

If we are finalizing a new design, then what is the problem regarding the DRDO's plan for its own submarine with the Naval Design Bureau? The P-75I deal should be done on the existing submarines which are already in service so that delays don't happen. If not, then it is best for us to go with an additional six Kalvari-class submarines with AIP and P76 submarines. The government should scrap P-75I and go for extra Scorpene-class submarines and P76. We can consider Russia's offer as well. It is best for us to consider an additional six Scorpene submarines with AIP, and they can be delivered quickly.

 

[Geogeek]

This submarine was once offered to Pakistan, right? They scrapped that procurement in favour of Chinese subs, if I am right. I think it was an older Type 214 submarine version which was offered to them.

 

[Snowstrike]

This submarine was once offered to Pakistan, right? They scrapped that procurement in favour of Chinese subs, if I am right. I think it was an older Type 214 submarine version which was offered to them.

Not exactly, but you have the idea! Back in 2008, Germany's HDW offering the type 214 to Pakistan (not TKMS). The deal fell through, and Pakistan chose Chinese subs instead. Right now, the sub offered to India is probably a hybrid 212CD/214- but we don't know since details are scarce. What we do know is that the hull of the 212CD is different than the 214's, incorporating several advanced stealth features. Germany and Norway are both acquiring it. A sub incorporating 212CD designs were not offered to Pakistan.

 

[PierreA]

Meanwhile, the French Barracuda design is readily available in either a conventional or nuclear propulsion version. It may be the opportunity to provide India with its own LEU nuclear industrial know-how. And it would allow using the same combat management system and weapons as in the Scorpene.

Furthermore, Naval Group already knows much about IN's particular design preferences, and they've had pretty good relations with Indian industries.

Drop the P-75I tender, and choose the gov-to-gov route.

 

[Ashish Vatsa]

Our ship building houses like MDL, HSL, GRSE & GOA SHIPYARD all have the indigenous capability to design & develop submarines. While Ship building centre along with L&T have the capacity to build Nuclear submarines. I don't understand why we are forming collaboration with foreign shipbuilding houses. Any design & development will minimum take 5-6 years and no ship building houses will offer you the best. So concentrate on indigenous design & development of Submarines by taking help from Submarine design bureau.