SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The competition to supply India’s next-generation submarines heats up as Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) India highlights its edge over rivals. During a press conference in New Delhi, Mr. Khalil Rahman, head of TKMS India, made a clear case for their T-214 submarine.
Rahman’s focus centered on the critical Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, a key factor for underwater endurance. He emphasized that TKMS offered the most crucial aspect: a navy-proven system. The Indian Navy team that conducted Field Evaluation Trials (FET) in Germany reportedly witnessed the T-212 submarine’s operational AIP system, demonstrating its seaworthiness.
According to Rahman, the Indian Navy team that visited Germany for Field Evaluation Trials (FET) witnessed the T-212 submarine’s operational AIP system. This, he argues, stands in stark contrast to Navantia, which could only showcase their AIP system in a land-based facility, not yet integrated into a submarine.
The press conference also shed light on the fate of other contenders. French and Russian offerings were reportedly rejected due to their lack of a suitable AIP system already fitted on a submarine.
The only other submarine with a seaworthy AIP system was the Korean KSS-III. However, its withdrawal from the tender after the takeover of Hanwha Ocean from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering left the field more open for TKMS and Navantia.
Despite the T-214’s sea-proven AIP advantage, Navantia maintains its S-80 boasts a superior AIP system. However, their claim is based on land-based demonstrations witnessed by the Indian Navy team in Spain.
The Indian Navy’s decision on its next-generation submarine is yet to be made. TKMS’s emphasis on a sea-proven AIP system puts the T-214 in a strong position. Navantia’s claims of a superior system, however, add intrigue to the competition. With both companies vying for the prestigious contract, the coming days could see interesting developments in the Indian submarine acquisition program.
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