Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Visits TKMS Submarine Facility in Germany

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh toured the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) submarine building facility in Kiel, Germany, on April 22, 2026, during his three-day official visit to the country. He was accompanied by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius throughout the visit, which focused on advanced naval technologies and strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Visit Highlights and Key Activities

The visit included a comprehensive tour of the submarine yard, where Singh inspected the facility and boarded a Type 212 submarine. Photos from the visit show the Indian and German delegations standing on the submarine in Kiel harbour, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. Singh described the visit as “insightful” in a post on X, highlighting the technological advancements and operational capabilities showcased at the facility.

The tour focused on TKMS’s expertise in diesel-electric submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, which allow vessels to remain submerged for extended periods with enhanced stealth. This technology aligns closely with India’s requirements under Project 75I, a long-pending programme to indigenously build six advanced diesel-electric attack submarines.

Strategic Significance for Project 75I

Project 75I, valued at approximately ₹90,000 crore ($8 billion), aims to partner with an international firm like TKMS for technology transfer and local construction, primarily at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in India. The programme, first conceptualised nearly two decades ago, is now in advanced stages of negotiation, with expectations of a final agreement soon.

German Defence Minister Pistorius expressed strong confidence in finalising the deal within the next three months, describing it as a key pillar of India-Germany defence ties. The visit comes amid growing defence ties between India and Germany, with a focus on technology sharing, joint development, and strengthening naval capabilities.

Broader Defence Cooperation

Earlier on April 22, Singh held a meeting with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Berlin, discussing deepening defence cooperation and tackling emerging geopolitical challenges. Such engagements are part of India’s broader strategic effort to enhance its submarine fleet and overall maritime strength through collaborations with countries like Germany.

Conclusion

The visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to the TKMS facility in Kiel underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing naval capabilities. By focusing on cutting-edge submarine technologies and reinforcing defence partnerships, both India and Germany aim to strengthen their maritime security and strategic cooperation in an evolving global security landscape.