The Kiel-based shipbuilder TKMS is getting closer to a new submarine deal from India. Official contract negotiations have now begun with the shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL).
The Indian submarine program is entering the next phase and German shipbuilding should benefit from this: TKMS and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) are now also officially in talks with the Indian procurement authority for Project 75(I). India is thus “sending a clear signal in its efforts to expand its own naval capacities and strengthen international technology transfer”, according to a statement from TKMS in Kiel today.
A partnership with Indian defense companies was initiated just a few days ago. There were also initial reports of a potential submarine order back in January. As part of Project 75(I), six submarines developed in Germany are to be built in cooperation with MDL. The initiative aims to deepen strategic and industrial ties between India and Germany and underline the commitment of both nations to technological cooperation and maritime security.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, said today: “I am convinced that India will become a global center for submarine technology and manufacturing. Our partnership with MDL is based on trust, innovation and common 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.” It was not disclosed who would take on which tasks and what the financial details of the cooperation might look like.
For Germany, this demonstrates its commitment to supporting one of Asia’s largest conventional submarine programs. The partnership is therefore in line with India’s ambition to modernize its fleet, strengthen the regional expansion of the navy and drive forward the “Make in India” initiative through technology transfer and local production.
For the Kiel-based company, the start of contract negotiations in India is “another positive sign in the economic development” of TKMS. At the end of 2024, an order for four more submarines was received from Germany, while the recent signing of a contract for two more submarines from Singapore further strengthened the company’s position on the international market. The order backlog has thus increased to €18.5 billion.
About Project 75(I)
According to TKMS, “important milestones” have already been reached in Project 75(I): These include all services for the Concept Design Agreement (CDA), which MDL and TKMS were able to conclude by August 31, 2025. In addition, TKMS has submitted binding offers for engineering services, advanced TKMS submarine components – including AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) systems – and flexible solutions for the command and control and operational weapon system. Following high-level delegation visits, TKMS, MDL and government officials are now looking to take Indo-German naval cooperation to a new level and fundamentally strengthen the Indian defense industry.
