By Stelios Kanavakis - Senior Defence Analyst
Germany is offering TKMS Type 214 submarines to India on government-to-government
contract, according to Economic Times of India newspaper. The latest
offer is for the P75I (Project 75 India) programme, which will provide
six new submarines to the Indian Fleet, in addition to the DCNS Scorpène
(Project 75) currently being built. |
The
Indian Government plans to issue the new tender by the end of the year.
The new type of submarines is planned to cost USD11.1 billion and will
replace some of the 13 older submarines in service. France, Sweden Spain
and Russia are also reported to be taking part to the competition.
The new platforms will have a larger displacement compared to the Scorpène
and will be equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system
and modern sensors. Their weapons will comprise of torpedoes and missiles.
Germany is now offering the TKMS Type 214 submarines with an AIP system.
It is the first time that it offers a defence system on a government-to-government
base. According to Economic Times of India, the German government will
provide assurance for a fair price, technology transfer and quality.
Under the “Make in India” initiative, the government plans
to boost the domestic industrial capabilities. A special state project
committee has shortlisted five domestic companies for the Project 75I
programme. These are the state-owned Mazagon Dock Limited, Cochin Shipyard
Limited, Hindustan Shipyard Limited and the privately owned Pipapav
and Larsen&Toubro shipyards. |
