TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: India’s Project-75I, aimed at acquiring advanced conventional submarines, has entered a crucial phase with the evaluation of bids from Germany and Spain.
EXPLANATION:
- The evaluation process, initiated after multiple deadline extensions, marks a significant milestone in India’s quest to enhance its naval capabilities through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.
German Government’s Stake in TKMS: Strategic Implications
- The German government’s decision to acquire a stake in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the manufacturer of one of the bidding submarines, underscores the strategic importance of the submarine deal.
- This move not only strengthens TKMS’s position but also facilitates government-to-government collaboration, crucial for deals of this magnitude and complexity.
Field Evaluation Trials: Technical Validation
- The successful completion of Field Evaluation Trials (FET) by the Indian Navy at TKMS facilities confirms the technical compliance of the German bid.
- The rigorous assessment process ensures that the selected submarine meets the Navy’s stringent requirements, including operational capabilities and performance specifications.
Indigenous Content and Design Collaboration
- India’s insistence on indigenous content, specified in the Request For Proposal (RFP), reflects its commitment to self-reliance and technology transfer.
- The collaborative effort between TKMS and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) ensures a significant percentage of indigenous content from the initial phase, laying the foundation for future design ownership and innovation.
Policy Shifts and Diplomatic Outreach
- Germany’s decision to grant small arms licenses to India and liberalize military equipment exports demonstrates a strategic shift in bilateral relations.
- This gesture, coupled with high-level diplomatic engagements, reflects Germany’s commitment to fostering defense cooperation and strengthening ties with India.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
- The requirement for an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system poses technical challenges for submarine manufacturers.
- However, TKMS’s advanced AIP module, incorporating fuel cell and lithium-ion battery technologies, demonstrates significant progress in enhancing submarine endurance and stealth capabilities.
Government-to-Government Proposal
- Germany’s proposal for a Government-to-Government (G-to-G) agreement underscores the commitment to streamline procurement processes and enhance bilateral cooperation.
- The ongoing discussions between India and Germany reflect the strategic alignment of interests and mutual benefits.
Project-75I:
- Project-75 (India), simply referred to as the P-75(I) program, is a military acquisition initiative affiliated to India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), aimed at the planned procurement of diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy (IN).
- Originally conceived in 1997, the initiative’s objective has been to procure a class of six conventionally-powered attack submarines for the Indian Navy Submarine Arm, as a replacement for the force’s Sindhughosh-class submarines.
- Under the auspices of the program, the submarines in reference, which are to be procured from an international naval firm, are to be contract-built at a chosen Indian shipyard, in accordance with the country’s Make in India initiative.
- The aforementioned vessels are envisaged to feature multifarious capabilities – particularly that of anti-surface warfare, land-attack capability and air-independent propulsion.