TKMS and Navantia Both Fall Short of Indian Navy's AIP Requirements for P-75(I) Submarine Program: Sources

The Indian Navy's ambitious Project 75 India (P-75(I)) to acquire six advanced diesel-electric submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) has hit a snag.

Both leading contenders, Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Spain's Navantia, have failed to fully meet the Navy's stringent requirements for AIP technology during field evaluation trials, according to sources within the defence establishment.

The AIP system, which allows submarines to operate submerged for extended periods, is a crucial element of the P-75(I) program.

The Navy's insistence on a proven system stems from concerns over potential delays if the indigenously developed AIP system by the DRDO is chosen. Past experience with delays in the integration of the DRDO AIP system into the Scorpene-class submarines has fueled this apprehension.

While Navantia's AIP system, utilizing Bio Ethanol Stealth Technology, comes closest to meeting the Navy's requirements, its first submarine equipped with this technology won't be operational until 2026. Although Navantia has conducted extensive testing and secured an order from the Spanish Navy, the Indian Navy remains unconvinced about its maturity.

TKMS, on the other hand, presented an AIP system smaller than the Navy's specifications. This is because the system is designed for the smaller Type 214 submarines, necessitating the development of a larger system for the Indian Navy's needs. Furthermore, the fuel cell batteries offered by TKMS differ from those used in the German Navy's submarines, requiring additional performance validation.

Despite these shortcomings, both companies remain in contention. A source indicated that while neither fully meets the RFP requirements, both are capable. Navantia appears to have an edge due to its S-80 class submarine, which is already in service with the Spanish Navy and could be adapted with minor modifications. TKMS, however, would need to design a new submarine entirely.

Adding another layer of complexity, the P-75(I) program is being pursued under the strategic partnership model, intended to boost private sector participation in defence manufacturing. However, the current situation sees state-run MDL, partnered with TKMS, as a frontrunner, raising concerns about the program's adherence to its original intent.

This development comes after several other international contenders, including Saab and Rosoboronexport, withdrew from the competition citing stringent liability clauses. Even TKMS initially hesitated but re-entered the race following German government backing and some concessions from the Indian Navy.

The P-75(I) program, first envisioned in 1998 as part of a 30-year submarine building plan, has faced numerous delays. With only six Scorpene-class submarines built so far, the need for these new submarines is critical for the Indian Navy to maintain its operational capabilities and regional influence.

The Navy now faces a difficult decision: accept a less-than-ideal AIP system or risk further delays in this crucial acquisition program.

 

[Anant]

Navantia AIP is significantly better, plus they have the submarine in water, unlike germany who are coming up with new design and in our case they have to design a new version of AIP which in any case is inferior to spanish offering.

The German AIP system would be an upgrade to an already-existing system that is in use by no less than 9 nations, none of which have made a major complaint regarding the system. On the other hand, the Spanish system, while theoretically more advanced, has not been tested at sea yet. Oh, and even the Spanish system, in it's present form, will not be used on P-75I. That system would also have to be modified and enlarged in scale.

 

[Anant]

This requirement will also go the MRCA way.
Nothing will materialize even after 20 year.

On the contrary, the Navy is actually pretty capable and good at how it manages its procurement. They'll get P-75I sooner rather than later.

 

[Anant]

I personally feel both should be given the contract. We desperately need submarines. If Germany reduce price then both should be given contracts.
What's the use of keeping USD 700 billion in vault. When even Bangladesh have the audacity to say that they will liberate North East.
Pakistan had ordered 8 AIP subs at one go. They why we can't order 12.

What's the use of keeping 700 billion USD in the vault? Um, the national economy needs to be maintained and it must be ensured the rupee doesn't randomly go into free-fall or something.

As for your second point, we should ideally go for 6 boats plus 3 options. If exercised, that would give us 9 boats under P-75I (similar to P-75), and coupled with the 12 boats under P-76, would give us 30 SSKs.

 

[Anant]

Just get the Japanese or south Koreans back in with their Li battery technology

Japan never applied in the first place, so getting them back is a moot point. As for South Korea, while they had an excellent offering, I have my concerns about ToT agreements with them. We had an order for MCMVs with them a few years back, and that went nowhere because they started causing problems with ToT.

 

[Dredd]

The German AIP system would be an upgrade to an already-existing system that is in use by no less than 9 nations, none of which have made a major complaint regarding the system. On the other hand, the Spanish system, while theoretically more advanced, has not been tested at sea yet. Oh, and even the Spanish system, in it's present form, will not be used on P-75I. That system would also have to be modified and enlarged in scale.

Spanish System is already done 50000 hours of testing , its integration is pending and will be available in 2026 . German AIP need to be made bigger with more power output which is not as simple as you are saying. German Offered submarine for india has significant design changes from the one that are exported to other nations, which is good but add a risk factor.

 

[Anant]

Spanish System is already done 50000 hours of testing , its integration is pending and will be available in 2026 . German AIP need to be made bigger with more power output which is not as simple as you are saying. German Offered submarine for india has significant design changes from the one that are exported to other nations, which is good but add a risk factor.

Some of the changes that would have to be made in a German design have already been tested on our Type 209s, where we operate a customised version in form of the Type 209-1500.

In any case, the Spanish have offered a modified S80 Plus design. That may well require a modification to the AIP system.

Oh, and land testing of the AIP system is helpful, but is nowhere near enough. Just ask the Swedes how that goes, considering that HSwMS Nacken had a lot of trouble when she was used as a testbed for Stirling AIP system.

 

[Sandeep]

India should just stick with Germany as their submarine will be better than the Spanish one. The advanced technology on the German submarine is much better and we already have some experience with their technology and submarines capabilities.

 

[Pramkumar]

India either should cancel this P75I and go for the P75A indigenous program directly or should take both simultaneously to beef up the nos. for Navy and for the P75A

 

[Akshat]

Russians do knows it too, that's why they are offering 80% tot on Amur 1650 on their previous offer. (Although they lacked AIP).

Russians also offered 70% ToT with Ka226T (effective ToT was 35%). But after winning the deal refused to go beyond 63% (effectively 33%). So their word means little.