SOURCE: AFI
In 1981, a promising chapter in Indian naval history began with an agreement to acquire two Type 209 submarines from the German firm HDW. This deal, however, took a sharp turn for the worse, leaving behind a legacy of missed opportunities and impacting India’s submarine ambitions.
The plan wasn’t just about acquiring submarines; it was about acquiring knowledge. The agreement envisioned Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) constructing two additional submarines, leveraging a transfer of technology (ToT) from HDW. This aimed to establish an indigenous submarine production line, a significant step towards self-reliance.
Unfortunately, allegations of corruption surfaced during the construction of the first two submarines at MDL. These allegations, known as the HDW scam, led to a political firestorm. India, prioritizing politics over military needs, severed ties with HDW and abandoned the option to build two more submarines. The production line was shut down, and skilled workers dispersed.
This decision had far-reaching consequences. While India grappled with the fallout, other countries like Turkey thrived. Turkey, which also had Type 209 submarines, continued development, constructing newer variants and boasting the world’s largest fleet of this type. They even progressed to building Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarines.
India’s decision to scrap the project after just two submarines meant losing out on the chance to build a further six. This could have provided the Indian Navy with a fleet of over 30 submarines, a long-desired goal for enhanced maritime security. The ToT acquired in the 1980s remained largely unutilized, hindering the development of domestic expertise.
The HDW submarine deal serves as a cautionary tale. While combating corruption is essential, it should not come at the cost of strategic military development. India has since made strides in indigenous submarine construction, but the shadow of the HDW deal persists, reminding us of the importance of long-term vision and calculated decision-making in securing national security.