Project 75(I) Gains Momentum as India Seeks Full Tech Transfer, TKMS Seals New Indian Partnerships

India and Germany are charting a deeper course in their bilateral relationship, placing defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and advanced submarine technologies at the core of their engagement. During high-level talks in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul underlined the strategic weight of security collaboration – with particular focus on India’s ambitious Rs 70,000 crore Project 75(I) submarine programme.

At a joint press conference, Jaishankar thanked Germany for its unequivocal support after the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 civilians. “We deeply appreciate Germany’s principled stance on terrorism and its recognition of India’s right to protect its people. Such solidarity strengthens the global fight against extremism,” he said.

Wadephul, on his first visit to India as Foreign Minister, reaffirmed Germany’s stance: “Terrorism knows no borders. Germany stands with India, not just in words, but through active security cooperation. Every sovereign democracy must be able to defend itself against such threats.”

Submarine Collaboration: Project 75(I) at the Forefront

The centrepiece of discussions was Project 75(I) – a joint venture between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build six advanced submarines in India. Equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, these submarines will significantly extend underwater endurance, bolstering India’s maritime deterrence against growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean.

If finalised, the contract – estimated at over Rs 70,000 crore – will be India’s largest-ever defence deal by value. Crucially, it is being pursued under India’s Strategic Partnership (SP) model, which mandates comprehensive technology transfer.

“We are not just buying submarines. We are acquiring the capability to build them ourselves,” a senior Defence Ministry official said. “TKMS must ensure India can independently design and produce future submarines under Project 76.”

TKMS Strengthens Local Partnerships

Underscoring its commitment, TKMS signed fresh MoUs with Indian defence companies to localise submarine and undersea warfare technologies.

• VEM Technologies (Hyderabad): Will lead indigenous assembly, testing, and future upgrades of heavyweight torpedoes, with technical support from TKMS subsidiary Atlas Elektronik.
• CFF Fluid Control Ltd (Mumbai): Will partner with TKMS to manufacture towed sonar systems for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), enhancing the Indian Navy’s surveillance and deterrence capabilities.

“These partnerships send a clear signal: TKMS is here as a long-term partner, not just a vendor,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS. “We are applying our expertise to accelerate Make-in-India and strengthen the local defence industry.”

The German shipbuilder is also exploring collaboration with DRDO and other agencies to establish new production and testing centres in India, potentially positioning the country as a regional hub for submarine and naval systems manufacturing.

Strategic Urgency and Future Path

Project 75(I) is already years behind schedule. The preceding Scorpene-class Project 75, executed with France, faced cost overruns and delays – with the last submarine, INS Vagsheer, inducted only in 2025, nearly a decade late.

Analysts caution that further slippages could weaken India’s maritime readiness at a time when its submarine fleet strength remains below sanctioned levels. The induction of AIP-equipped platforms under Project 75(I) is seen as a critical requirement.

Both ministers framed the deal as more than a procurement exercise. For India, it represents a litmus test of technology partnership and Atmanirbhar Bharat. For Germany, it signals a willingness to go beyond rhetoric, embedding itself in India’s defence-industrial ecosystem.

“Germany considers India not just an economic partner, but a strategic one,” Wadephul said. “We fully support India’s ambition to build a robust, self-reliant defence industry.”

With terrorism, regional security, and maritime competition intensifying, the trajectory of India-Germany defence ties – and the success of Project 75(I) – will be closely watched as markers of strategic trust and technological transformation.

Huma Siddiqui