India and Germany are on the verge of finalising the ₹90,000 crore Project-75I submarine deal, with German envoy Philipp Ackermann confirming that the agreement could be signed as early as next month, Economic Times reported.

The deal will see six advanced Type-214 submarines built in India, significantly boosting the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities.

India has selected Germany’s Type-214 submarines as the foundation for the Project-75I program. The agreement, valued at over €8 billion, will be executed through a partnership between Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.

This collaboration is designed to strengthen India’s conventional submarine fleet through indigenous construction and technology transfer, marking a major step in India’s naval modernisation drive.

The Type-214 submarine is an advanced diesel-electric attack vessel equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. Developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), the design merges the hull characteristics of the Type 209 family with the fuel cell propulsion system of the Type 212A. 

The AIP system allows the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing, greatly enhancing stealth and survivability.

The submarine measures 65 metres in length, with a beam of 6.3 metres and a draught of 6 metres. It displaces 1,690 tonnes on the surface and 1,860 tonnes when submerged. Its pressure hull is built from HY-100 ferromagnetic steel, reducing its magnetic signature.

Propulsion is provided by two MTU 16V-396 diesel engines generating 3.96 MW, a Siemens Permasyn low-speed permanently excited electric motor producing 2.85 MW, and two HDW Polymer Electrolyte Membrane hydrogen fuel cell modules rated at 120 kW each. The system integrates modern diesel generator sets and can operate with either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries.

Performance-wise, the Type-214 achieves a surfaced speed of 10–12 knots and a submerged sprint speed of 20 knots. On AIP, it cruises between 2–6 knots. It is rated to operate beyond 250 metres depth, with estimates suggesting a maximum diving depth of 400 metres.

The submarine has an endurance of up to 84 days and can remain submerged continuously for three weeks using AIP. Its range extends to 12,000 nautical miles on the surface and 1,248 nautical miles underwater using fuel cells.

The vessel carries eight 533 mm bow torpedo tubes capable of launching heavyweight torpedoes such as the DM2A4 and Black Shark, as well as submarine-launched anti-ship missiles like the Sub-Harpoon.

Its combat suite includes the ORCCA combat management system, ISUS 90 sonar and weapon control system, and SPHINX-D navigation radar. It also integrates torpedo countermeasures and supports modular payloads for future missions. The submarine is designed to accommodate special operations forces and offers universal deployment capabilities.

Stealth features include an X-rudder configuration for improved manoeuvrability, a permanently excited motor with variable control to reduce noise, and optimisation to minimise acoustic and magnetic signatures.

The vessel meets high shock-resistance standards, enhancing survivability. It operates with a crew of 27, comprising five officers and 22 sailors.

Strategically, the deal reflects India’s push for military self-reliance and Germany’s growing interest in the Indo-Pacific. With China expanding its naval presence and Pakistan deepening ties with Beijing, India’s acquisition of advanced AIP-equipped submarines is critical for deterrence and securing sea lanes.

The partnership also diversifies India’s defence imports away from traditional reliance on Russia, while boosting Mazagon Dock’s long-term industrial pipeline.

Agencies