TKMS enters contract negotiations with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for P75(I) programme

TKMS and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) begin official contract negotiations for six state-of-the-art, German-designed submarines. The Indian Navy submarine programme enters its next phase with the Indian procurement authority for Project 75(I) which marks a critical milestone in India’s pursuit of domestic naval capability and international technology transfer. As part of Project 75(I), six submarines developed in Germany are planned to be built in cooperation with the state-owned MDL, expected to deepen strategic and industrial ties between India and Germany.

CEO of TKMS Oliver Burkhard emphasises “I am convinced that India will develop into a global centre for submarine technology and manufacturing. Our partnership with MDL is based on trust, innovation, and shared goals that go far beyond individual contracts. Together with the support of both governments, we can enable India to deliver world-class submarines for its navy and for friendly fleets worldwide.”

For India, this step represents a significant advance in the development of its domestic naval capabilities while it demonstrates Germany’s commitment to supporting one of Asia’s largest conventional submarine programs. This partnership is in alignment with India’s efforts to moderniwe its fleet, strengthen regional naval expansion, and advance the “Make in India” initiative through technology transfer and local manufacturing.

MDL and TKMS completed all services for the Concept Design Agreement (CDA) by August 31, 2025. In addition, TKMS submitted binding offers for engineering services, advanced TKMS submarine components – including AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) systems – and flexible combat system solutions.

In the wake of high-level delegation visits, TKMS, MDL, and government representatives now want to take Indian-German cooperation in the naval sector to a new level and fundamentally strengthen the Indian defence industry.

Earlier, TKMS and Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the area of submarine weapons technologies in line with the ‘Make-in-India’ vision. The company specialses in the design, development and manufacture of weapon systems and fuselage and systems for airborne systems. It lays the foundation for the development, production, integration, testing and modernization of heavyweight torpedoes. Supported by TKMS and its segment ATLAS Elektronik, VEM Technologies will take over the integration and testing of the torpedoes in India.

A TKMS statement read, “The MOU sends a clear signal, TKMS stands ready as a reliable partner to the Indian Navy. We are applying our technical expertise to accelerate the ‘Make-in-India’ strategy and strengthen the local defence industry in the long term.” In addition to the MOU, TKMS is also intensifying its cooperation with the Indian company CFF Fluid Control Limited, which specialises in mechanical, electronic, and weapon systems for Indian Navy. The aim is to advance the development and production of state-of-the-art Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems for surface vessels and various other strategic applications. Both parties are currently exploring further opportunities with TKMS to intensify their cooperation. These include participation in the P75(I) programme, cooperation with the DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) and other Indian organisations, and the establishment of expanded production centres which will serve both Indian and global customers in the future.”

The start of contract negotiations in India is another positive sign for TKMS’s economic development. At the end of 2024, TKMS received an order for four additional submarines from Germany, while the recent signing of a contract for two more Invincible-class (Type 218SG) submarines from Singapore further strengthened its position in the international market.

Additionally, TKMS and Italy’s Fincantieri joined forces to offer the Philippine Navy (PN) advanced submarine solutions in the form of the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine). The Philippines has been keen on procuring at least two submarines to enhance its archipelagic defence and securing its territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:INDIAN NAVY)