HDW Class 214 Submarine (Image source: thyssenkrupp AG)
In a bid to fortify India’s naval prowess, Germany’s ThyssenKrupp AG has extended a substantial offer to India, proposing the deployment of the advanced 214 version of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)-class submarines under Project 75I.
This latest offer, valued at $4.8 billion, involves the provision of six conventional diesel submarines, aiming to significantly augment New Delhi’s submarine fleet.
Addressing Naval Deficiencies
India’s current submarine fleet, standing at 16 vessels, falls short of the required strength of 24 submarines.
Moreover, most of its existing submarines, excluding the recently built six, are over three decades old and nearing their decommissioning phase.
The delay in submarine induction, exemplified by the 11-year duration for the first Scorpene class submarine to enter service post-agreement, underlines the urgency to replenish and modernize the fleet.
The ‘Make in India’ Initiative and Technology Transfer
With a strong emphasis on indigenous production, the Indian government’s ‘Make in India‘ initiative is poised to influence the selection process.
India’s Ministry of Defence anticipates substantial technology transfer alongside the provision of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling longer underwater endurance for conventional vessels.
In a bid to fortify India’s naval prowess, Germany’s ThyssenKrupp AG has extended a substantial offer to India, proposing the deployment of the advanced 214 version of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)-class submarines under Project 75I.
This latest offer, valued at $4.8 billion, involves the provision of six conventional diesel submarines, aiming to significantly augment New Delhi’s submarine fleet.
Addressing Naval Deficiencies
India’s current submarine fleet, standing at 16 vessels, falls short of the required strength of 24 submarines.
Moreover, most of its existing submarines, excluding the recently built six, are over three decades old and nearing their decommissioning phase.
The delay in submarine induction, exemplified by the 11-year duration for the first Scorpene class submarine to enter service post-agreement, underlines the urgency to replenish and modernize the fleet.
The ‘Make in India’ Initiative and Technology Transfer
With a strong emphasis on indigenous production, the Indian government’s ‘Make in India‘ initiative is poised to influence the selection process.
India’s Ministry of Defence anticipates substantial technology transfer alongside the provision of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling longer underwater endurance for conventional vessels.
This technological enhancement is pivotal, considering the evolving dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), marked by an increased presence of Chinese submarines.
Moreover, the imminent integration of AIP technology into the Indian Navy promises to significantly enhance its submarine fleet’s operational advantages compared to Pakistan.
Currently, all three of Pakistan’s French Agosta-90B submarines—PNS Khalid, Saad, and Hamza—are powered by AIPs.
China’s Growing Submarine Force
China’s assertive submarine force, reportedly comprising a staggering 76 platforms, has stirred apprehension among world powers due to its sheer numbers and expanding capabilities.
This is in contrast to India’s significantly undermanned submarine capability, with only 16 conventional and one ballistic missile-capable sub.
Not to mention the delayed arrival of the Akula-class nuclear-powered submarine leased from Russia, which further accentuates the disparity.
Naval operational dynamics adhere to a general rule of thumb, where for every vessel in active operation, two more are essential—one preparing for deployment and one resting from recent missions.
This protocol aims to accommodate maintenance, crew rest, and training schedules, highlighting the critical need for sufficient fleet numbers.
During peacetime, approximately one-third of the fleet is typically deployed, underscoring the challenges of maintaining constant operational readiness.
Although wartime conditions might necessitate increased deployment, realistic assessments of fleet availability remain crucial.
China’s emphasis on bolstering its submarine fleet not only furthers its own maritime capabilities but also extends to supporting Pakistan with advanced technology—and this poses significant challenges for India as regional power dynamics transform.
This impending induction of AIP technology into the Indian Navy emerges as a critical countermeasure, ensuring New Delhi’s readiness and assertiveness in the maritime domain.
The Proposed HDW Class 214 Submarines
ThyssenKrupp’s offer revolves around the HDW Class 214 submarines, a fusion of design principles from the HDW Class 209 family, and the outstanding features of the HDW Class 212A boats.
Modifications to meet Indian Navy specifications are anticipated, mirroring past collaborations with Germany in acquiring and customizing Type 209 submarines in the mid-80s.
The advanced features of the HDW Class 214 submarines, including increased diving depths, a modular weapon and sensor mix, and fully integrated AIP capabilities, hold significance in bolstering India’s naval strength.
AIP, in particular, significantly reduces vulnerability to detection, allowing for enhanced monitoring capabilities, which is crucial in the face of escalated Chinese naval activities in the IOR.
Germany’s Strategic Pivot and India’s Pursuit of Submarine Technology Advancements
Germany initially showed little interest in joint submarine manufacturing with India two years ago. However, following the Russian-Ukraine conflict, Berlin shifted its stance to a more assertive role against Moscow and Beijing in the Indo-Pacific.
Consequently, this shift prompted ThyssenKrupp, facing Spain’s Navantia, to bid for a $5.2 billion project for the Indian Navy, with both companies partnering with Indian entities.
ThyssenKrupp has collaborated with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dockyard Limited, while Navantia has joined forces with Larsen and Toubro.
Navantia’s S80 class submarines, undergoing sea trials and the successful testing of the AIP BEST system in a simulated operating environment highlight the intense competition in the bidding process.
India’s historical efforts to acquire submarine-building expertise faced setbacks, including a failed attempt in the 1980s due to bribery charges against a German company.
Advancements in AIP Technology
Subsequent engagements with France and Spain led to the acquisition of Scorpene submarines, lacking AIP technology.
Efforts are underway to retrofit these vessels with indigenously developed AIP, showcasing India’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities amidst evolving regional dynamics.
Incorporating AIP technology, especially fuel cell-based systems pioneered by Germany and utilized by Israel, Turkey, and South Korea, is a game-changer in enhancing submarine endurance.
ThyssenKrupp’s HDW Fuel Cell AIP system, lauded for its low noise and infrared signature, stands as a testament to cutting-edge advancements in this domain.
Conclusion: Shaping India’s Naval Future
The decision to acquire German-built submarines under Project 75I will significantly impact India’s maritime capabilities.
The deployment of advanced HDW Class 214 submarines equipped with state-of-the-art AIP systems will not only bridge existing gaps in the submarine fleet but reinforce India’s position as a dominant maritime force in the region, crucial for safeguarding its maritime interests amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
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