India and Germany Near Conclusion of €8 Billion Submarine Agreement, Highlights German Ambassador
India and Germany are nearing the finalization of a significant defense procurement, with an agreement for the Project-75(I) submarine expected to be signed soon. The deal, valued at approximately €8 billion (over ₹90,000 crore), involves the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India. This move is set to considerably enhance the Indian Navy's underwater capabilities while supporting India's goals for defense self-reliance.
Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador to India, conveyed optimism about concluding the agreement potentially by next month. At an event held by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, he noted that discussions are at an advanced stage and both nations are hopeful for a successful resolution soon.
Project-75(I) will be carried out in partnership with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Following India's Strategic Partnership Model and the Make in India initiative, the submarines will be built at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai, incorporating extensive technology transfer and an increasing amount of indigenous content.
The project features the German Type 214 diesel-electric attack submarine, a cutting-edge design recognized globally. Created by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), the Type 214 combines the established Type 209 submarine hull with advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, based on hydrogen fuel cells, initially developed for the Type 212A.
The AIP technology provides a significant advantage, enabling submarines to remain submerged longer without surfacing to recharge batteries, thus reducing the chance of detection. This capability is crucial for missions involving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and stealth operations.
The Type 214 is about 65 meters long with a beam of 6.3 meters and a draught of six meters. It has a surfaced displacement of around 1,690 tonnes and a submerged displacement of about 1,860 tonnes. The pressure hull is constructed from HY-100 ferromagnetic steel to minimize its magnetic signature, making detection more challenging.
The submarine is powered by two MTU 16V-396 diesel engines generating nearly 4 MW, coupled with a Siemens Permasyn electric motor producing about 2.85 MW. It includes two HDW-developed PEM hydrogen fuel-cell modules, each delivering 120 kW. The propulsion system can handle both traditional lead-acid and future lithium-ion batteries, ensuring adaptability for upgrades.
The Type 214 achieves speeds of 10 to 12 knots on the surface and approximately 20 knots when submerged. Using the AIP system, it operates quietly at speeds between two and six knots, remaining almost undetectable.
It operates at depths over 250 meters, with its maximum diving depth estimated around 400 meters. It can stay operational for up to 84 days and remain submerged for nearly three weeks on its AIP system. Its range is about 12,000 nautical miles on the surface and over 1,200 nautical miles underwater with fuel-cell propulsion.
The submarine is outfitted with eight 533 mm bow torpedo tubes capable of launching heavy torpedoes like the DM2A4 Seahake and Black Shark, as well as submarine-launched anti-ship missiles such as the UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon, enhancing its anti-surface warfare capabilities.
The advanced ORCCA Combat Management System, integrated with the ISUS-90 sonar and weapon control suite, forms the core of its combat management. Additional features include the SPHINX-D navigation radar, advanced countermeasure systems, and a modular payload architecture for future mission adaptability. Special Operations Forces can also be deployed during covert missions.
Stealth is a key feature of the Type 214, employing an X-rudder configuration for improved manoeuvrability and reduced noise. Its permanent magnet electric propulsion ensures variable speed control, decreasing acoustic emissions and enhancing survivability.
The crew consists of 27 personnel, including five officers and 22 sailors, reflecting the submarine's high automation level.
Project-75(I) is among the most significant enhancement programs for the Indian Navy, which currently operates aging submarines. The addition of six Type 214-based submarines will significantly boost India's underwater warfare capabilities amid rising submarine activity in the Indian Ocean.
Besides operational benefits, the project is expected to bring substantial technological and industrial advantages. It will facilitate the transfer of advanced submarine technology, boosting India's defense manufacturing sector and generating skilled jobs.
This agreement underscores the deepening India-Germany strategic partnership, which has grown in areas like defense, technology, and maritime security. Once finalized, Project-75(I) will advance India's naval capabilities and further its goals of defense self-reliance.
