Given the strategic partnership between Germany and India, the German engineering and steel concern thyssenkrupp announced its intention to "once again demonstrate its competence in the Indian market." thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Specialized Division has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the potential construction of conventional air independent propulsion submarines.
“We can look back on decades of trusting partnership with India. The boats we built and delivered to the client in the 1980s are still in use today. We are very proud of this and look forward to continuing to contribute to India's national security. If India trusts us again, we will be ready,” emphasizes Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
By signing a letter of intent, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is laying the groundwork for a possible collaboration with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to participate in planned purchases of submarines for the Indian Navy. The signing took place on June 7, 2023 in Mumbai, India, in the presence of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. By signing the letter of intent, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is actively contributing to Germany's strategic cooperation with India.
The companies intend to work closely together in the future. As part of the letter of intent, it was stated that thyssenkrupp Marine Systems would take over the construction and design of submarines, as well as consulting services if ordered. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders will be responsible for the construction and delivery of the submarines. The new submarines will be built in India and thus contribute significantly to local value creation.
Both companies have many years of experience, knowledge and experience. They have already collaborated on major projects in India and look forward to further close cooperation.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has built and successfully delivered submarines to the Indian Navy in the past. Four HDW 209 class submarines were built in the 1980s as part of a successful Indo-German cooperation. The first and second boats were built by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (then HDW in Kiel), the third and fourth boats were built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. All four submarines are still in service in India.
