Germany Proposes Sale Of Six Advanced Conventional Submarines To India Through Inter-Government Agreement, Here's All About It

Germany has proposed the sale of six advanced conventional submarines to India under the Navy's P-75I procurement program through a government-to-government agreement.

According to a report from The Hindu, a high-level German delegation recently visited Delhi to advance the discussions.

The discussions between Indian and German officials took place during the visit of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in June 2023.

Pistorius advocated for the bid by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) during talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, stressing on the potential for the submarine deal to become a "flagship project" between the two countries.

Germany and Spain are the only countries meeting the technical criteria to submit bids for the P-75I deadline.

The deal, conducted under the defence procurement procedure's 'strategic partnership,' involves Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) partnering with foreign submarine manufacturers for the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India, including technology transfer.

Meanwhile, L&T and Spanish submarine manufacturer Navantia have formed a joint bid, with Navantia responsible for submarine design based on its S80 class, and L&T handling construction.

Both bids are currently under evaluation.

Concerns were raised with Germany regarding export clearances and licensing requirements for spares and components. India requested relaxation in these requirements, submitting a list to the German side.

The Defence Acquisition Council has since addressed some concerns.

The AIP module enhances submarine endurance by allowing longer periods submerged, reducing the likelihood of detection.

An indigenously developed AIP module is scheduled for installation on Scorpene submarines during their refit later this year.