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Germany Accelerates India’s Military Acquisitions  Amidst Project-75I Submarine Deal

7 minutes read

Germany Accelerates India’s Military Acquisitions  Amidst Project-75I Submarine Deal

7 minutes read

Germany recently granted India a special status to expedite the approval process for defense purchases, signaling a deepening of bilateral defense cooperation. This status aims to accelerate the approval of defense contracts, as Germany prioritizes India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann stated that 95% of defense purchase requests had already been approved under this special status, allowing India quicker access to German military technology.

This announcement comes as India is set to decide on the supplier for Project-75I, a multibillion-dollar deal to procure six advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. The contenders are Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Navantia from Spain. Both companies have proposed submarines with unique capabilities, including advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems to enhance underwater endurance a crucial feature for the Indian Navy given India’s extensive maritime borders and the increasing presence of foreign submarines in the region.

By granting India an expedited approval process, Germany has underscored the importance of its defense relationship with India, especially as India diversifies its defense partnerships and reduces its reliance on traditional suppliers. Germany’s TKMS is positioning itself as a critical player in India’s defense procurement strategy, emphasizing its Class 214 and Class 212CD submarines, both of which are equipped with AIP systems. The German AIP technology has a proven track record, though its endurance reportedly falls short compared to its competitors, a factor that Indian defense officials will weigh as they finalize their choice.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to discuss the Project-75I submarine deal during his visit to India, highlighting the strategic value Germany places on collaboration with India, particularly as global power dynamics shift and the Indo-Pacific region becomes a focal point for security alliances.

India’s Project-75I aims to bolster the country’s maritime security by enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. The tender for this ambitious project includes a set of requirements to ensure that the submarines can meet the challenges of modern maritime warfare. Navantia, Spain’s leading shipbuilder, is competing with Germany’s TKMS and has proposed its S80 class submarine. First commissioned in 2023, Navantia’s S80 class is equipped with a new AIP system designed to extend underwater endurance. However, this AIP technology has yet to undergo extensive submerged testing, which could be a factor in India’s evaluation process.

In an environment where technological sophistication and long-term operational support are critical, the Indian government is meticulously evaluating both offers. TKMS’ well-established track record in AIP technology provides it with an edge in terms of proven reliability, though Navantia’s competitive offering has the potential to shape India’s future defense infrastructure as well.

India’s emphasis on defense partnerships with Germany and Spain reflects its broader strategy of diversifying defense procurement. Historically reliant on Russia for military supplies, India is increasingly exploring other suppliers to mitigate risks and gain access to cutting-edge technologies. Germany’s special status for India is a testament to this evolving partnership, underscoring Europe’s role as an alternative source for advanced defense technology. For India, strengthening relations with Germany, a prominent player in European defense manufacturing, could provide critical leverage and ensure a more versatile defense ecosystem.

This pivot also aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, under which foreign defense companies are encouraged to collaborate with Indian firms to localize production. It is expected that the chosen supplier for Project-75I will adhere to these requirements, ensuring that India gains technological expertise alongside acquiring the submarines.

The competition between Germany and Spain for Project-75I exemplifies the growing importance of India as a major defense market and a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Chancellor Scholz’s visits, alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s trip later this month, reflects a significant diplomatic push by both nations to strengthen ties with India, particularly in light of rising geopolitical challenges.

As the submarine deal progresses, Germany and Spain’s commitment to delivering advanced defense technology highlights India’s role in the evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape. In securing the necessary assets for a robust maritime defense, India is better equipped to protect its interests in an increasingly contested region. The outcome of Project-75I will likely set a precedent for future defense partnerships, further solidifying India’s standing as a pivotal player in regional security and an essential partner for Western defense industries.

 

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