News Brief
Arun Dhital
Sep 12, 2025, 01:36 PM | Updated 01:36 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has started formal contract negotiations with Indian defence procurement authorities for Project 75(I), a key initiative to build six next-generation conventional submarines in the country, The Hindu reported.
The programme, valued as one of Asia’s most ambitious conventional submarine initiatives, aims to combine German design expertise with Indian shipbuilding to create a new class of diesel-electric boats equipped with Air Independent Propulsion systems.
Under the plan, six advanced submarines, designed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), will be constructed at MDL’s Mumbai facility.
The project is expected to deepen industrial and strategic ties between India and Germany while advancing maritime security, defence innovation, and long-term cooperation.
Project 75(I) is a major component of the Indian Navy’s fleet modernisation, supporting efforts to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Also Read: BJP Hits Back At Congress After Its Bihar Unit Shares AI-Generated Video Of PM Modi's Late Mother
It highlights Germany’s role as a technology partner in one of Asia’s largest conventional submarine programmes.
The venture aligns with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging local shipbuilding, skills development, and the adoption of advanced systems.
Officials stated that the project is intended not only to enlarge the submarine fleet but also to advance domestic expertise in designing and building conventional submarines.
It comes at a time when India is working to modernise its naval assets while addressing the growing maritime capabilities of China and Pakistan.
The planned submarines will be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, allowing them to stay underwater for as long as three weeks, a major enhancement to the Indian Navy’s endurance and operational capability.
By combining domestic production with foreign expertise, the programme seeks to create opportunities for India’s defence industry and foster a robust supply chain for future naval projects.
Originally cleared by the Defence Ministry in January, the project positions MDL at the forefront of India’s underwater combat capability expansion.
Once completed, the submarines are expected to bolster regional security and underline India’s emergence as a centre for submarine technology and manufacturing.
Please click here to add Swarajya as your preferred and trusted news source on Google.