India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has cleared state-owned shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and its German partner ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to proceed with the navy’s P-75 India conventional submarine requirement.

MDL confirmed this week that its commercial bid was opened by the MoD for further processing. The other contender for the submarine project was the Indian private sector firm Larsen & Toubro who had partnered with the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, to offer the S-90 submarine.

A total of 6 Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarines are to be acquired and MDL with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems having proposed the Type 214 conventional submarine for the navy. The Indian MoD had issued the Request of Proposal (RFP) for the P-75 (I) programme in July 2021. The project cost at the time was pegged at approximately INR 400 billion ($4.64 billion).

India had previously acquired German conventional submarines in the eighties, when it ordered 4 HDW Class 209 submarines. The first and second of those submarines were built by TKMS. Then HDW in Kiel, manufactured the first 2 submarines, with the remaining 2 produced under license in Mumbai by MDL. All 4 submarines remain in service.

MDL also announced that commercial negotiations are underway with the MoD on a follow-on order for 3 more French SCORPENE conventional submarines, that it will build under license from the French shipbuilder Naval Group. The navy presently operates a fleet of 6 SCORPENEs.

India's decision to procure both SCORPENE-class and TYPE-214 submarines is rooted in its strategic need to rapidly modernize and expand its submarine fleet while simultaneously developing indigenous submarine-building capabilities. This dual approach serves multiple objectives and reflects India's complex naval requirements. The diversification of capabilities is a key factor in this decision.

The SCORPENE and TYPE-214 submarines offer different strengths that complement each other. The SCORPENE is renowned for its stealth, manoeuvrability, and versatility in both open seas and shallow waters, making it well-suited for missions including combat against surface ships and submarines, intelligence gathering, and special operations.

In contrast, the TYPE-214 offers longer range and endurance, with a surface range of 12,000 nautical miles compared to the SCORPENE's 6,500 nautical miles, making it more suitable for extended oceanic patrols. Technology transfer and indigenous development are crucial aspects of both submarine programs.

The SCORPENE program, known as Project 75, involves building submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France's Naval Group. This has already resulted in the construction of 6 submarines, with 3 more planned.

The TYPE-214 program, part of Project 75I, involves collaboration with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). This project aims to further enhance India's submarine-building capabilities, including the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. The dual procurement strategy also addresses both immediate and future needs. T

he additional SCORPENE submarines will help address India's immediate submarine shortage, as the production line is already established and operational. Meanwhile, the TYPE-214 program, while taking longer to implement, will provide India with advanced submarines featuring AIP technology, crucial for future naval operations.

Furthermore, this approach enhances India's strategic independence. By engaging with multiple foreign partners (France and Germany), India reduces dependence on any single source for submarine technology. In conclusion, India's dual approach allows it to rapidly bolster its submarine fleet with proven designs like the SCORPENE, while simultaneously developing more advanced capabilities through the Type-214 program. This strategy addresses both immediate security needs and long-term goals of technological advancement and strategic independence in submarine warfare.

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