Germany Supports Submarine Talks with India, Proposes Military Cooperation Options: German Ambassador

According to Germany’s Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackerman, the German government strongly supports the ongoing negotiations between the Indian Navy and German firm Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for the Project 75 India tender. This project aims to construct six new conventional submarines, with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems collaborating with Indian Mazgaon Dockyards Limited as one of the two competing industry teams.

In an email interview, the German ambassador mentioned that New Delhi played a pivotal role in Berlin’s business strategy in Asia. This strategy aimed to diversify business relations significantly, partly in response to the “increasingly challenging behavior of India’s northern neighbor” and other factors.

“I can state that Germany is committed to team up with an Indian dockyard to build high-tech submarines in India and that my government is wholeheartedly supporting the ongoing negotiations. The process is still ongoing and the decision is for India to take. What we can say though it that this project already is accelerating our defense partnership and therefore works as a lighthouse for future cooperation,” he said.

Project 75 India is an initiative by the Indian Navy aimed at constructing six larger conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent-Propulsion technology. German company Thyssenkrupp and Spanish company Navantia are collaborating with MDL and Larsen and Toubro, respectively, for this project, which is anticipated to be valued at more than six billion euros.

When questioned about why India can rely on Germany as its strategic partner, Ackerman responded, “Because Germany’s shift towards India and the Indo-Pacific is manifesting itself in very concrete actions: military visits and joint exercises, potential co-production of advanced military hardware, more collaboration in the area of cyber and strengthening our interoperability.”

He mentioned that Germany would deploy its fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoons and transport aircraft like the A400M, to India. They will lead a joint European exercise with France and Spain near Coimbatore.

“We team up with the Indian Air Force to participate in the first phase of Tarang Shakti. It is the first time that Germany is sending his Air Force to India to participate in such a high scale exercise.. In October, two German ships, one frigate and one support ship, will come to Goa to show their presence and train together with our close partners and friends from the Indian Navy,”He mentioned this while outlining the upcoming engagement with the Indian military.

The German ambassador to India mentioned that Germany anticipates high-level visits during the summer and autumn to observe and provide political support for this collaborative effort. The ambassador expressed optimism about regular annual joint exercises starting from this year.

Regarding the shift in German foreign policy and their stance towards India, Ackerman highlighted a heightened political commitment in Berlin to strengthen defense connections with India and forge a durable, substantial strategic partnership.

“That is why we push for a stronger German and European cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific. The German government did open its defence export policy and our collaboration with India in that regard is one of the most important examples of this shift. It is in our interest that India diversifies its military cooperation and together with our American and European partners, we want to offer alternatives to the Indian government,” he further asserted.

Regarding India’s role in its Indo-Pacific strategy for 2020, the German Ambassador highlighted Germany’s status as a trading nation with robust international ties. Germany is particularly interested in maintaining open shipping routes and ensuring peace and stability in the region.

“As a result of Russia’s war of aggression and the increasingly challenging behaviour of India’s big neighbour in the North East, Germany is strongly diversifying its trade relations in Asia. India is on the forefront of this business strategy. That is also why we are seeing such a strong interest of German companies, big ones as well as many start-ups, to invest in India! That is one reason why the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in October this year will happen in New Delhi,” he mentioned.

Regarding Project 75 India, Ackerman noted that Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane’s recent visit to Berlin demonstrates ongoing high-level exchanges between the two democracies, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation.

“Germany is ready to supply aircraft, torpedoes and power packs for tanks to India – with substantial localization of production in India. Germany also did speed up its processes for export licenses: We are delivering more and faster because India is our prime security partner in the region. Together, we have invested already a lot in the freedom of this region and we are committed to strengthen that much more,” he said.
Thyssenkrupp’s CEO Oliver Burkhard highlighted that TKMS is the sole firm with a validated AIP system. He mentioned discussing technical capabilities with a joint delegation from the Indian and German Navies. Regarding the work share arrangement for P-75 India, which demands rigorous technology transfer and higher Indian entity involvement, Burkhard stated that Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and MDL have signed a memorandum of understanding in the presence of the German Defense Minister.

“As part of the letter of intent, we stipulated that, if awarded the contract, we would be responsible for the design of the submarines as well as playing an advisory role. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders would be responsible for the construction and delivery of the submarines,” he said. “I can assure you both companies have many years of experience, knowledge and expertise and we are engaging our key sub-suppliers in the process of indigenisation, including for example our own subsidiaries ‘kta’ and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK. The plan presented by MDL to the government includes already a percentage of indigenisation for the first boat which is significantly higher than the stipulated requirement.”