‘Once Every Aspect Regarding P75(I) is Finalised, it Will Take up to Seven Years to Deliver One Boat’
What capabilities will HDW 214 bring to the Indian Navy?
The P-75 (I) advanced design is based on the well-established HDW Class 214 submarine, which has a proven track record and is currently in service with several navies worldwide. The HDW 214 offer several technological advancements such as an Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, Lithium-Ion battery (LIB) technology, sensor and combat systems, and stealth features. These advancements ensure superior performance, increased endurance, and reduced detectability, crucial for naval operations in diverse environments. Moreover, the submarine’s configuration can be tailored to optimise performance in Indian maritime conditions, including shallow waters, coastal defence, and blue water operations.
After the conclusion of the commercial negotiations, what will be the timelines for the construction of the boats?
Once every aspect regarding P75(I) is finalised, it will take up to seven years to deliver one boat.
AIP has been a decisive factor in this competition. Can you talk about your AIP?
tkMS is renowned for its prowess in AIP systems, which are crucial for enhancing the endurance and stealth capabilities of submarines. The AIP systems have evolved over 30 years and are state-of-the-art. It is the only sea-proven fuel cell system in service with several navies. Hence, AIP-equipped submarines will play a vital role in bolstering maritime capabilities, providing navies with extended underwater endurance, stealth capabilities, and operational flexibility. By incorporating AIP technology into Project 75 (I) submarines, India can significantly enhance its naval capabilities, particularly in areas such as coastal defence, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and strategic deterrence.
How will the process of indigenisation unfold, in terms of localisation and technical know-how and know-why? What capacities will tkMS build at MDL?
The collaboration agreement includes provisions for the transfer of critical submarine design, construction, and maintenance technologies from tkMS to MDL. This transfer would encompass various aspects of submarine production, including hull design, propulsion systems, sensor integration, and combat systems. This is essential to achieve the government’s objective of ‘self-reliance’, and it is worth noting that tkMS is unique amongst western submarine providers in having a history of enabling the creation of a truly autonomous submarine industry in other countries.
With the experience of Scorpene, MDL already has a supply chain and the vendor base. Will the same be employed for HDW? Will tkMS need to train the workforce at MDL?
Of course, tkMS would provide training and support to MDL personnel to ensure the successful implementation of transferred technologies. After all, tkMS has by far the most experience of export of submarine design and transfer of technology working with other countries to enable local submarine industry development. Italy, Korea, Turkey, Singapore, Israel etc., are some examples.