Blitz Business Research
New Delhi, January 25: In a significant decision, the Indian Navy has excluded Spain’s Navantia from the prestigious Project 75(I) submarine acquisition program, a deal worth approximately €8 billion for the construction of six state-of-the-art conventional submarines. The contract has instead been awarded to Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), in partnership with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), after a rigorous evaluation process.
Why Navantia Was Excluded
The exclusion of Navantia was primarily attributed to a critical technical shortfall in their proposal: the absence of a proven Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. AIP technology is a key requirement in modern submarine warfare as it allows submarines to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing to recharge batteries. This capability is vital for enhancing a submarine’s stealth and operational effectiveness, particularly in contested maritime regions.
Navantia’s S-80 Plus-class submarines, which were the centerpiece of its proposal, are still undergoing the process of integrating an AIP system. The Spanish shipbuilder has yet to field an operational, sea-proven AIP solution. This lack of demonstrated capability during the Indian Navy’s field evaluation trials placed Navantia at a disadvantage compared to its competitors.
Despite lobbying efforts by the Spanish government, including a high-profile visit by President Pedro Sánchez to India in October 2024 to advocate for Navantia’s bid, the technical shortcomings in AIP capability were insurmountable. The Indian Navy, known for its stringent technical requirements, ultimately decided against the Spanish proposal.
The Winning Bid: TKMS and Proven AIP Technology
In contrast, Germany’s TKMS emerged as a clear frontrunner due to its robust and operational AIP technology. The company’s submarines have successfully demonstrated their capabilities during field evaluation trials conducted by the Indian Navy, meeting and exceeding all operational and technical benchmarks.
The German company, in partnership with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), presented a comprehensive proposal that aligned with the Indian Navy’s requirements for advanced technologies. TKMS’s long-standing expertise in submarine design and manufacturing, coupled with its proven track record in integrating AIP systems, made its bid highly competitive.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, which has previously collaborated with international partners on submarine projects, will play a significant role in the construction and delivery of the submarines under this program. This collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, emphasizing domestic production and technology transfer.
India’s Strategic Focus on Advanced Technology
This decision highlights the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to incorporating advanced and proven technologies into its fleet. Submarines equipped with AIP systems offer superior stealth capabilities, allowing them to operate in contested waters for prolonged periods without detection. For a nation like India, with its vast maritime interests and growing security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, these technological advancements are critical.
Project 75(I) is part of India’s long-term plan to modernize its submarine fleet and enhance its underwater warfare capabilities. The program involves the acquisition of six advanced diesel-electric submarines with AIP technology, boosting the Navy’s ability to counter regional threats and secure maritime interests.
Geopolitical Implications
Navantia’s exclusion and TKMS’s selection carry broader geopolitical implications. Spain’s efforts to secure the deal, marked by high-level diplomatic engagements, reflect the growing interest of European nations in India’s defense market. However, the Indian Navy’s emphasis on proven technologies underscores a merit-driven selection process, prioritizing operational effectiveness over political considerations.
For Germany, the deal solidifies its position as a reliable defense partner for India. The collaboration between TKMS and MDL also strengthens defense ties between the two nations, paving the way for further technological and industrial partnerships in the future.
The exclusion of Navantia from Project 75(I) serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting stringent technical and operational requirements in high-stakes defense procurements. While Spain’s Navantia has promising submarine designs, its inability to offer an operational AIP system proved to be a decisive factor. Germany’s TKMS, with its demonstrated expertise and proven AIP technology, has secured a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s submarine fleet. This decision marks a significant step in India’s efforts to modernize its Navy and enhance its maritime defense capabilities in an increasingly competitive and complex strategic environment.
