German submarine maker Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and public sector company Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in India will partner to manufacturing six next-generation conventional submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of $5.8bn. Sources suggest TKMS will bid for the design and development project with MDL, with both companies likely to benefit from full transfer of technologies (ToTs). TKMS and DCNS are currently the only two global manufacturers to have air independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which helps submarines remain underwater for longer periods. The deal also includes an engineering support package, training and spares package, and modern sensors, weapons and equipment.
