Overview
- Negotiations are at an advanced stage for a pact worth at least $8 billion, with discussions described as confidential and no signed contract announced.
- Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is expected to partner with state-owned Mazagon Dock to build six submarines in India with technology transfer for the first time.
- The boats under discussion would feature air-independent propulsion to extend submerged endurance, strengthening the Indian Navy’s patrol capability in the Indian Ocean.
- Talks intensify ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Jan 12–13 visit, following the German ambassador’s meeting with India’s defence secretary to prioritise co-development and co-production.
- The deal maps to Project 75(I), where pricing and an intergovernmental enabling agreement are still being negotiated, with indigenisation targets rising from 45% to 60% and first delivery expected seven years after contract signature.