Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ (TKMS) submarine building facility in Kiel, where he was briefed on advanced naval technologies and capabilities. He was accompanied by German defence minister Boris Pistorius during the visit to the shipbuilding facility.The visit comes as India moves closer to finalising its nearly Rs 1 lakh crore Project-75 India (P-75I) programme, under which six advanced submarines are to be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) with significant technology transfer.TKMS is a leading contender in the programme, offering submarines equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems that allow longer underwater endurance and greater stealth.On X, Rajnath described the visit as “insightful”, highlighting the technological advancements and operational capabilities showcased at the facility. He boarded the Type 212 class submarine and was shown its capabilities.Singh described the engagement as “mutually beneficial” amid shifting geopolitical currents in the Indo-Pacific. The visit also reflects New Delhi’s increasing emphasis on partnerships with European countries in critical defence sectors such as naval systems and shipbuilding.
