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SOURCE: AFI

Recent global conflicts have significantly increased the demand for naval assets, spotlighting India as a potential powerhouse in submarine and warship construction, according to Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany’s leading maritime defense company. TKMS, currently in the race for a lucrative Indian Navy contract to build six diesel-electric submarines, sees this as an opportunity not only to expand its footprint in India but also to establish a collaborative center for naval manufacturing.

TKMS has partnered with India’s state-run Mazagaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) for this venture, aiming to leverage India’s competitive cost structure. Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, highlighted that manufacturing in India could reduce costs by up to 50% compared to other international locales. This economic advantage could position India as an attractive hub for not just domestic orders but also for global exports, particularly to regions like Southeast Asia and South America.

The competition for the P75I submarine contract is fierce, with TKMS-MDL facing off against a consortium of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) from India and Spain’s Navantia. This contract is part of India’s broader initiative to bolster its naval capabilities, focusing on submarines that can operate with air-independent propulsion (AIP), enhancing stealth and endurance.

The outcome of this competition hinges on the forthcoming technical oversight committee report, expected before the end of January. This report will be pivotal in deciding the direction of India’s naval procurement strategy, potentially setting the stage for the winner to not only supply submarines but also to influence future naval projects.

Burkhard emphasized the long-term vision of creating a naval technology hub in India, stating, “Together with MDL, there could be a hub for technology, which will generate more orders. This is really an opportunity to go beyond the P75I, which will generate, of course, more jobs.” This vision aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to strengthen its defense manufacturing sector and create employment opportunities.

The establishment of such a hub could transform India’s role in global defense manufacturing. It would not only lead to job creation and technological advancement within the country but also position India as a key player in the international naval market, potentially exporting to countries looking for cost-effective, high-quality naval platforms.






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