The Indian Navy's highly anticipated decision on Project 75(I), a critical program to build six new submarines, is expected to be a key point of discussion during upcoming visits from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez later this month. Both countries are vying for this lucrative contract, adding a significant layer of strategic importance to their diplomatic visits.
Chancellor Scholz, accompanied by a large delegation including Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, will arrive in New Delhi on October 25th for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following closely behind, Prime Minister Sánchez will commence his three-day visit on October 27th.
At the heart of these visits lies the Indian Navy's ambitious plan to procure six conventional submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. This technology allows submarines to operate underwater for extended periods, significantly enhancing their stealth and operational capabilities.
Two major contenders have emerged in this competition: German firm TKMS, in partnership with India's state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), and Spanish firm Navantia, collaborating with private sector giant L&T.
German Ambassador to India, Philip Ackermann, confirmed that defence and military strategy will be central to the discussions with Chancellor Scholz. Both Germany and Spain view the submarine contract as a crucial step towards strengthening their strategic partnerships with India.
Interestingly, both countries are reportedly pursuing government-to-government deals for the project, highlighting its strategic significance. Sources reveal that TKMS initially hesitated to bid due to a large backlog of orders, uncertainties in the Indian procurement process, and specific contractual obligations. However, the German government encouraged TKMS to participate, underscoring the importance of this deal for Germany.
The Indian Navy has recently completed field evaluation trials (FET) of the critical AIP systems offered by both companies.
Navantia utilized a combination of land-based and onboard systems to showcase its AIP technology during the FET. While the Spanish system has reportedly undergone over 50,000 hours of testing and has been selected by the Spanish Navy, it remains to be seen whether the Indian Navy will consider this sufficient proof of its capabilities. Navantia's first submarine equipped with this AIP system is slated to launch in 2026.
TKMS, on the other hand, presented a smaller AIP system than what the Indian Navy had specified. This is attributed to the fact that the system is designed for the smaller Type 214 submarines and needs to be scaled up to meet the requirements of the larger submarines desired by the Indian Navy.
The final decision rests with the Indian Navy, which is carefully evaluating the technological capabilities and strategic implications of each bid. The outcome of Project 75(I) is poised to significantly impact India's naval capabilities and reshape its defence partnerships in the years to come.
