Overview

• The government has authorized the Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders to open negotiations with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for six conventional submarines.
• Negotiations are expected to start by the end of August, with a government target to conclude the contract in six to eight months before seeking final approval.
• The package is reported at roughly Rs 70,000 crore, covering locally built boats under the strategic partnership model.
• Planned submarines will feature Air Independent Propulsion, allowing about three weeks of submerged endurance and enhancing stealth and patrol flexibility.
• Officials highlight an indigenous manufacturing push, with reporting citing an initial local-content goal near 60%, as the Navy prepares to replace about 10 ageing boats and advances parallel SSN work with L&T and the Submarine Building Centre.