ermany and India are on the verge of finalizing a landmark $8 billion defense agreement for the joint production of six advanced submarines. The deal, involving ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is expected to be announced during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to New Delhi in mid-January 2026.
Maritime Partnership
India and Germany are close to sealing their largest-ever defense contract, centered on the P-75(I) submarine program. The agreement will see six German-designed conventional submarines built for the Indian Navy, addressing the urgent need to modernize India’s aging fleet of 16 submarines, many of which are over three decades old.
The collaboration between TKMS and MDL underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing (Atmanirbhar Bharat) while leveraging German expertise in advanced naval technology. The deal also reflects the deepening of Indo-German strategic ties, with maritime security emerging as a key pillar amid growing regional challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Major Takeaways
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Deal Value: Estimated at $8 billion, India’s largest defense contract with Germany.
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Scope: Joint production of six advanced submarines under the P-75(I) program.
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Partners: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (India).
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Strategic Context: Strengthens India’s underwater capabilities amid regional security challenges.
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Timeline: Expected announcement during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to New Delhi (Jan 12–13, 2026).
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Fleet Modernization: Addresses India’s aging conventional submarine force.
Sources: Reuters Defense Desk; Indian Defence News; The Tribune; ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems release
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