SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s massive Project 75 India (P75I) program for acquiring new submarines has seen a renewed push, with both Germany and Spain advocating for government-to-government (G2G) deals.
The P-75I program emphasizes a strategic partnership model. This means the winning foreign company (Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM) will collaborate with an Indian entity to build the submarines within the country.
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) from Germany has partnered with India’s state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the project. Navantia, the Spanish shipbuilding giant, has joined forces with private Indian company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in their bid.
The P75I program faced delays in recent years due to several foreign companies, including TKMS from Germany, initially deciding not to participate. This renewed push with G2G deals signifies a strategic shift by both Germany and Spain to secure this lucrative defense contract.
With both Germany and Spain offering G2G deals, the competition for the P75I project has intensified. The Indian Navy will likely evaluate factors like technology transfer, cost-effectiveness, and past experience to select the most suitable partner. This decision will significantly impact India’s underwater defense capabilities for years to come.