Spanish And German Companies Bid For Submarine Deal With India, Follow Strategic Partnership Model For Defence Acquisition

Spain's Navantia and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) are vying for a lucrative deal to supply India with advanced conventional submarines as per a report by The Hindu.

As Germany seeks an inter-governmental agreement for the sale of six submarines, Spanish Secretary of State for Defence Amparo Valcarce is set to visit Delhi on 7 and 8 March to discuss the submarine deal with Indian Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane.

Navantia has teamed up with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for the deal, while TKMS has partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

These partnerships align with India's strategic partnership model for defence acquisition. The submarines will be designed based on Navantia's S-80 class, with L&T responsible for construction.

The P-75I acquisition process has faced challenges, including specifications requiring a proven air-independent propulsion (AIP) module with a two-week endurance.

Both Navantia and TKMS have submitted bids, which are currently under evaluation.

Spain has demonstrated progress on its AIP module, emphasising its willingness to provide complete technology transfer and governmental guarantees due to Navantia's state-owned status.

The delay in the P-75I deal has led the Indian Navy to seek three additional Scorpene-class submarines to address its urgent submarine shortage.

With five of the six contracted Scorpene submarines already inducted, the Navy is keen to modernise its fleet amid increasing security challenges.