A deal worth approximately 9 billion US dollars is set to be signed between India and Germany in the coming weeks. As part of this deal, India will purchase six diesel-electric submarines from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). These submarines will be manufactured at the Mazagon Dock shipyard in Mumbai with technology transfer.
This purchase will be the largest arms deal for India currently, although a potential $34 billion deal with France regarding 114 Rafale fighters could prove even larger. This deal, known as Project 75i, has been in development for over twenty years. TKMS offered more favorable terms in terms of price and technology transfer, surpassing companies from Russia, South Korea, France, and Spain.
The situation with the traditional submarine fleet of the Indian Navy is a cause for concern, as most of the SSK class submarines are older than 25 years. The initial plan to build 24 traditional submarines, started in 1999 over 30 years, only yielded six units. Although India has managed to build Arihant class nuclear submarines independently, due to a lack of experience in designing conventional submarines, it relies on several countries. Consequently, the cost of one 3000-ton conventional submarine approaches the cost of a domestic 7000-ton nuclear submarine.
The TKMS Type-214 model, an enlarged version, will provide significant advantages to the Indian Navy. It will be equipped with an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) system using hydrogen fuel cells (AIP), which will double the underwater endurance. These submarines will be capable of attacking enemy and merchant vessels with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, as well as conducting operations to prevent access to the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, they can carry out precision strikes on coastal targets using land-attack cruise missiles.
The Navy has positive experience operating the Type-209 submarines (now TKMS), purchased in the 1980s, which are still in service. The first batch of ships is expected to be delivered in seven years, in the early 2030s. The deal also includes the option to acquire three additional submarines.
