India is nearing the final stages of a major defence procurement agreement with Germany for the construction of six advanced conventional submarines under Project 75I. Valued at approximately 8 billion dollars, the proposed deal represents a significant step in modernising the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet and enhancing the country’s maritime security capabilities.
Project 75I is a key component of India’s long-term naval modernisation plan, aimed at strengthening underwater warfare capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. The project involves the acquisition of submarines equipped with advanced features, including air-independent propulsion systems, modern combat management systems, and enhanced stealth capabilities. These submarines are expected to improve endurance, survivability, and operational flexibility during extended deployments.
Germany has emerged as a leading partner for the project, with its submarine technology considered among the most advanced globally. The agreement is expected to include extensive technology transfer, enabling Indian shipyards to gain critical expertise in submarine construction and maintenance. This aligns closely with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which seek to boost domestic defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, which has prior experience building submarines for the Indian Navy under Project 75, is expected to play a central role in the construction process. The shipyard has previously delivered Scorpene-class submarines and is considered a key strategic asset in India’s naval shipbuilding ecosystem. Involving an Indian public-sector shipyard is seen as essential for developing long-term indigenous capabilities in complex defence platforms.
The proposed submarines are intended to replace ageing assets and address the Indian Navy’s requirement for a robust and modern underwater fleet. With growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region, submarine capabilities are considered critical for deterrence, sea denial, and intelligence-gathering operations. Defence analysts note that the induction of new-generation submarines will significantly enhance India’s operational readiness.
Before the agreement is finalised, it must receive approvals from various government bodies, including the Defence Acquisition Council and the Cabinet Committee on Security. Once cleared, the project is expected to span several years, given the complexity of submarine construction and testing. The programme is also likely to generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to skill development within India’s defence manufacturing sector.
If concluded, the Project 75I agreement with Germany would rank among the largest defence deals undertaken by India, reflecting New Delhi’s focus on strengthening its naval power while simultaneously promoting indigenous production. The deal underscores India’s strategic approach to combining international collaboration with domestic capability-building in the defence sector.
