Type 214 official approval after long delays
The Indian government has officially approved the German Type 214 submarine as the winner of the Project 75 program, one of the most anticipated and long—awaited modernization projects of the country's Navy. This decision, made after more than six months of delay, paves the way for the construction of six modern diesel-electric submarines with air-independent power plants (AIPS), which will significantly enhance the combat capability of the Indian submarine fleet.
Six boats with AIP worth $8.4 billion
The project is estimated at approximately $8.4 billion. All six submarines will be equipped with an AIP system that allows them to stay underwater for up to 20-25 days without recharging, making them inconspicuous and effective on long-term combat patrols. This is critically important in the context of the growing activity of submarine forces in the Indo-Pacific region, especially given the expanding presence of China.
MDL and TKMS — start of construction negotiations
The state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) will begin negotiations with German contractor ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) on the details of technology transfer, construction schedule and localization of production. As in previous programs, the boats will be built under license in India with a phased increase in the share of domestic components, which corresponds to the "Make in India" strategy.
The first boat is expected to be launched in the late 2020s.
Exclusion of the Spanish S-80 project and strategic consequences
The Type 214 approval definitively excludes the Spanish S-80 project submitted by Navantia from consideration. Despite its competitive characteristics and political support from the EU, the S-80 was inferior in key parameters, including the maturity of AIP technology, export experience, and the level of lifecycle support.
The choice of German technology strengthens military-technical cooperation between India and Germany and demonstrates New Delhi's commitment to acquiring proven and reliable systems capable of providing underwater superiority for the coming decades.
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