German U-212C/D Submarine Is A Strong Contender in India's Project 75I

The Indian Navy's pursuit of new submarines under Project 75I has reached a critical juncture, with the German-made ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) U-212CD submarine successfully completing field evaluation trials (FET) in March 2024.

These trials, conducted at the TKMS facility in Germany, rigorously assessed the U-212CD's adherence to the Navy's stringent technical requirements, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the competition.

The U-212CD's appeal lies in its advanced features, including a state-of-the-art design that prioritizes stealth by minimizing its acoustic and magnetic signatures. The submarine's air-independent propulsion (AIP) system enables extended underwater endurance, reducing the need for frequent surfacing.

It is also equipped with cutting-edge sensors, weapons systems, and communication technology. Its lineage, derived from the proven Type 212A submarines currently in service with several European navies, further bolsters its credibility.

However, the Indian Navy is not limiting its options. Navantia's S-80 Plus submarine is also under consideration, with field trials in Spain provided a comprehensive comparison of both contenders. This dual evaluation approach ensures a transparent and competitive selection process, enabling the Navy to make an informed decision based on a thorough assessment of both submarines' capabilities.

Open-source information reveals that the U-212CD is a larger and more advanced variant of the Type 212A, incorporating design enhancements for improved stealth and expanded capabilities.

Germany's potential stake in TKMS and the recent easing of export restrictions on military equipment to India could further bolster the U-212CD's prospects.

Ultimately, the Indian Navy's final decision on Project 75I will have significant ramifications for the country's maritime security and defense cooperation landscape.

 

[RalphRearden]

We should go form German SSK and its India specific requirement must have vertical launch tubes capable to fire Nirbhay and BrhaMos-II ( 1000+ km) missiles !

Never ever should we buy anything worthwhile from the self appointed gatekeepers of human rights and other similar nuisance....for allw e know those Germans, like they did for Arjun tank's engine, will suddenly stop since they belive India is stifling democracy, persecuting minorities, ploughing PAk, took PoK back, etc etc etc...a 1000 reasons where they can fabricate to make these boats sitting tons of useless steel.

 

[Anant]

Three tracks will put India on a solid track in SSK submarines areas.

1. Upgrade of 6 older Scorpenes with Indian AIPs + 3 new Scorpenes with Indian AIP
2. 6 HDW212+ with German Lion lus AIPs and a possible 6 if Germany cedes 100% TOT by 12th submarine
3. Consecutive design and development of Indian P-76s with all the technologies learned from SSBN, HDW209, Kilos, and future HDW212+s would realize fully indigenous SSK submarine someday.

Worth trying this with dogged determination to safeguard Indian coastlines.

SSBN and SSN stories are getting unfurled with successful 190MW miniaturized nuclear reactor ready to go for larger classes of boats.

All in all India will be successful eventually with its own submarine programs.

Agreed, but slight modification: Our SSK force would ideally comprise 9 AIP-equipped Scorpenes, 6 (ideally 9) Project 75I AIP-equipped submarines, and 12 Project 76 boats (with AIP and VLS cells).

Oh, and the chances of Germany agreeing to 100% ToT are fairly slim, even with 9 or 12 submarines. Do remember that they did offered South Korea around 85% ToT with each of their two 9-submarine orders, and those were for the Type 209-1400 and Type 214 designs. The Type 212CD has a number of technologies that Germany may not happily share. We shall see, however.

I do say that some of those critical technologies would be worth 3 extra boats (9 instead of 6). Hypothetically, if they did offer 100% ToT, perhaps 12 may make sense, but I have some concerns about the financial feasibility of that.

 

[Anant]

We should go form German SSK and its India specific requirement must have vertical launch tubes capable to fire Nirbhay and BrhaMos-II ( 1000+ km) missiles !

You cannot just take an existing design and add stuff like a VLS plug. A modification that major essentially requires a major redesign of the whole submarine.

 

[Pink Panther]

Indeed, Netherlands ditch them for the barracuda's Groupe Naval (naval group in English)... Google if you don't believe me...

After Australia kicked Barracuda, us Indian’s stopped considering the failed design.

 

[Oleg Olkha]

Hold on a minute? The FETs conducted were for the Type 212CD? Um, the Type 212CD still doesn't exist outside the design table. The first Type 212CD is still atleast half a decade from entering service.

That said, has Germany really offered the Type 212CD? The articles started off with the Type 214, then a Type 21w derivative, and now the Type 212CD? If true, this is a truly fantastic offering.

Building a Type 212CD boat is well under way. For Norway... L-73 m. submerged displacement-2800 t. Clean-sheet-of-paper design. Regards and Shalom from Israel!

 

[Oleg Olkha]

it does, Israels Dakar class uses Type-212CD as a baseline, who knows we might get the same variant that Israel is getting.

Building a Type "Dakar" been even further. L-83 m. sub. D ~ 3500-3600 t. VLS, etc. etc... ocean submarine. Hmm..."TKMS showed Israel military officers some drawings during developed Type 216. That smells like a lot of work already has been done." Regards...

 

[Oleg Olkha]

@ Pink Panter No, it did not. Israel the sole owner of the type Dakar, but... Type 212 CD E ( "expeditionary" for Netherlands) that's at least technically possible. Аpropos, there is still much uncertainty surrounding new submarines of Netherlands... Regards

 

[Oleg Olkha]

Note: The INS "Drakon" (Dolphin 2AIP "plus") is now ready for testing. L 72-74 m. sub. D - 2500-2550 t. VLS (VMPL- "Vertical Multi-Purpose Lock" tkMS ) etc, etc.. Were proposed and tested in the "Drakon" several options for the architecture of such equipment for the future 212CD, 212CD-E and INS "Dakar". https://www.camspotting.de/hafenhaus/film/2024/2024_05_23_hafenhaus.mp4 (0:14) Shabbat Shalom!

 

[Oleg Olkha]

INS "Drakon", filling... High pressure balloons outside the submarine's inner hull! Photo: Frank Behling, Kiel, Germany.