Germany is ready to sign an estimated $8 billion submarine deal with India, German Ambassador to India Jasper Wieck said. The proposed agreement is almost final, with Germany ready to proceed once India completes its internal approval process.
The project involves building six next-generation conventional submarines in India through a partnership between German defence company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. The submarines are expected to use air-independent propulsion, allowing them to remain underwater for longer periods.
The partnership is designed around domestic production and technology transfer rather than simply importing submarines. The German envoy said the project could also benefit India’s wider maritime ecosystem by involving multiple companies and creating opportunities for additional cooperation.
The proposed deal is part of Project 75I, under which India plans to build six advanced diesel-electric submarines with fuel-cell-based air-independent propulsion technology. The programme is being pursued under the Strategic Partnership model, with technology transfer and increased domestic manufacturing forming key elements.
Germany has also eased restrictions on defence exports to India, with Wieck saying Berlin is more willing to provide licences and transfer technology. Beyond submarines, both countries are looking at cooperation in areas including unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, missile technology and sensors.
