TKMS and MDL enter contract talks for India’s Project 75(I) submarines

September 12, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Indian submarine program is entering its next phase with TKMS and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) beginning their official contract negotiations with the Indian procurement authority for Project 75(I).

As part of Project 75(I), six submarines developed in Germany are planned to be built in cooperation with MDL.

Important milestones have already been reached. MDL and TKMS completed all services for the Concept Design Agreement (CDA) by August 31, 2025. In addition, TKMS submitted binding offers for engineering services, advanced TKMS submarine components – including air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems – and flexible combat system solutions.

This initiative is expected to deepen strategic and industrial ties between India and Germany, highlighting both nations’ commitment to technological cooperation and maritime security.

“I am convinced that India will develop into a global center for submarine technology and manufacturing. Our partnership with MDL is based on trust, innovation, and shared goals that go far beyond individual contracts,” Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, said.

“Together – with the support of both governments – we can enable India to deliver world-class submarines for its navy and for friendly fleets worldwide.”

In the wake of high-level delegation visits, TKMS, MDL, and government representatives now want to take Indian-German cooperation in the naval sector to a new level and fundamentally strengthen the Indian defense industry.

Recently, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s VEM Technologies for cooperation in the area of submarine weapons technologies. Specifically, the partners will work on the development, production, integration, testing and modernization of heavyweight torpedoes.

TKMS links up with Indian firm to work on submarine weapons technologies

Equipment & technology

At the end of 2024, TKMS received an order for four additional submarines from Germany, while the recent signing of a contract for two more submarines from Singapore further strengthened its position in the international market.