Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has begun formal contract discussions with Indian defence procurement authorities for Project 75(I), one of Asia’s most ambitious conventional submarine programmes. According to reports, the project involves the construction of six state-of-the-art diesel-electric submarines, designed by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), at MDL’s Mumbai facility.
The submarines will feature Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling them to remain submerged for nearly three weeks, a significant improvement over conventional submarines currently in India’s fleet.
The project represents a major step in India-Germany defence cooperation, blending German technological expertise with Indian shipbuilding capabilities. Officials say the collaboration is expected to deepen industrial partnerships, encourage skill development, and strengthen India’s defence supply chain for future naval projects.
Germany’s role as a technology partner in Project 75(I) underscores Berlin’s increasing importance in Asia’s security and defence ecosystem.
Project 75(I) has been positioned as a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s fleet modernisation, aligning with national priorities such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By carrying out construction domestically at MDL, the programme will not only expand India’s submarine fleet but also advance indigenous expertise in naval design and shipbuilding.
A senior defence official quoted in media mentioned, “The objective is not just to enlarge the fleet but to build domestic capability for designing and manufacturing next-generation submarines.”
The timing of the project is crucial, as India seeks to counter the growing maritime capabilities of China and Pakistan. With China expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan modernising its submarine fleet, Project 75(I) is expected to significantly bolster India’s underwater combat capabilities.
Once completed, the submarines will enhance endurance, stealth, and strike potential, making the Indian Navy better equipped to secure regional waters.
Initially cleared by the Defence Ministry in January 2025, Project 75(I) places MDL at the forefront of India’s submarine-building efforts. The programme is expected to generate opportunities for domestic industries, establish a robust naval supply chain, and reinforce India’s emergence as a centre for submarine technology and advanced shipbuilding.
Notably, the long-term impact of the project will extend beyond fleet expansion, marking a transformative leap for India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
