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India is currently in the final stages of cementing a landmark naval defence agreement with Germany, a move poised to fundamentally reshape the nation’s maritime capabilities.
Emerging details regarding the estimated $10 billion (approx. ₹80,000 crore) Project 75(I) programme indicate that this government-to-government pact will go far beyond a standard purchase order.
While the agreement clears the path for acquiring six next-generation conventional submarines, sources suggest these vessels will be a unique, customised hybrid of the proven U-214 class and the advanced U212CD (Common Design), specifically engineered to meet India’s strategic ambitions.
A New Class of Submarine
The most significant revelation concerns the sheer scale and configuration of these new vessels.Unlike the standard export models, the Indian variant is projected to have a displacement of approximately 2,500 tonnes. This makes it roughly 500 to 600 tonnes heavier than the standard U-214.
This increase in tonnage is a strategic necessity rather than a mere design choice. A larger hull accommodates a greater fuel load, substantially improving the submarine's range and endurance.
It also provides enhanced habitability for crews during prolonged deployments and offers critical internal volume for integrating advanced combat systems.
These features are directly aligned with the Indian Navy’s operational requirement to maintain a sustained presence across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), operating far from home ports for extended periods.
From Buyer to Builder and Exporter
A pivotal component of this agreement is the reported granting of an export licence to India.Under the proposed terms, the state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) will not simply assemble these submarines for domestic use.
Instead, MDL will secure the rights to manufacture and sell this specific customised design to other nations.
This provision fundamentally alters the nature of Project 75(I), converting it from a standard import-driven defence project into a potential export hub.
It positions India to become a key supplier of conventional submarines to friendly nations in the region, leveraging German engineering excellence combined with Indian manufacturing cost-efficiencies.
Deepening Indigenisation
The roadmap for local manufacturing is equally ambitious.The project is structured to ensure a progressive transfer of technology, with the final submarine in the series expected to feature nearly 60 per cent indigenous content.
Unlike previous "licensed production" deals where kits were merely assembled locally, this programme envisages a deep rework of major internal systems.
Internal layouts, weapon integration, and onboard sensors will be adapted to suit Indian naval doctrines.
This ensures that the final platforms are not just German submarines built in India, but Indian-adapted platforms that reflect the specific needs of the Indian Navy.
The Technology Edge: Air Independent Propulsion
Technologically, these submarines will be a generation ahead of India's current fleet.A key feature is the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. Open-source intelligence indicates that the German design likely utilizes Fuel Cell AIP, a system widely regarded for its silence and efficiency compared to Stirling engine alternatives.
AIP technology allows a submarine to charge its batteries without surfacing or using a snorkel, enabling it to remain submerged for weeks rather than days.
For a navy prioritising sea denial and covert surveillance, this capability is critical. It dramatically reduces the risk of detection, making the submarine a far more potent deterrent in contested waters.
Strategic Imperatives
This procurement comes at a critical juncture for the Indian Navy.The underwater fleet faces a looming capacity deficit as the ageing Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) vessels near the end of their service lives.
While the induction of the French-designed Kalvari-class (Scorpene) boats has bolstered numbers, they alone cannot guarantee long-term dominance in the Indian Ocean.
The customised U-214/U212CD hybrid addresses this gap by offering a platform capable of deep-water operations from the Arabian Sea to the strategic choke points of the eastern Indian Ocean.
Transforming the Industrial Base
For India's defence manufacturing sector, Project 75(I) represents a "coming of age" moment.Submarine construction requires mastery over complex metallurgy, precision engineering, and zero-error quality control.
By moving from a buyer to a builder with export rights, India will generate high-skilled employment and develop a mature naval industrial ecosystem.
Ultimately, if finalised as anticipated, this deal will be more than just an acquisition of six submarines.
It represents a fusion of operational necessity and industrial foresight. A 2,500-tonne, AIP-equipped submarine, built in Mumbai and available for export, signals the arrival of India as a serious player in the global naval defence market.
