In a major reshuffle of its defense procurement strategy, India is reportedly reconsidering its ₹36,000-crore order for additional Scorpene submarines from France’s Naval Group and may instead join forces with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
If finalized, this shift would mark a pivotal transition in India’s submarine modernization drive — moving from French Scorpene-class platforms to German advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) models under Project 75I, estimated at ₹70,000 crore.
“The goal is to strengthen indigenous manufacturing and deepen technological collaboration,” said a senior Defense Ministry official.
Strategic Rationale:
Germany’s TKMS offers the Type 212CD submarine, known for superior stealth, endurance, and next-generation combat systems — features that could give India an edge amid China’s growing naval footprint in the Indian Ocean.
The French company, Naval Group, is said to have been reluctant to transfer certain sensitive technologies — a key reason for India’s strategic pivot.
Impact:
Defense analysts view this as part of the Modi government’s broader “Make in India – Defence” push. The deal is expected to boost India’s self-reliance in critical underwater warfare technologies.
