Hyderabad's VEM Tech Partners With Germany's TKMS Ahead of Submarine Deal

Hyderabad-based defence firm VEM Technologies has entered into a partnership with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to develop, build, integrate, and modernise heavyweight torpedoes, as India's long-delayed Project 75(I) submarine programme nears approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Project 75(I) programme involves the construction of six advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 70,000 crore. Under the proposal, the vessels will be built primarily in India by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with TKMS.

As part of its expanding network of Indian partners, TKMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyderabad's VEM Technologies. The arrangement has since evolved into a teaming agreement that includes technology transfer and a Make-in-India torpedo initiative. TKMS subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK is also participating in the initiative, with VEM Technologies handling integration and testing on the Indian side.

TKMS has also established a partnership with Mumbai-based CFF Fluid Control for anti-submarine warfare systems and is exploring additional collaborations with Indian entities, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The new submarines are planned to feature air-independent propulsion systems, allowing them to remain submerged significantly longer than conventional diesel-electric submarines. They are also expected to be equipped with modern sensors, torpedoes, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.

The procurement comes as the Indian Navy works to address a shortfall in its conventional submarine fleet and monitor growing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean. MDL previously completed six Kalvari-class submarines in collaboration with France, with the final boat, INS Vagsheer, commissioned in January 2025.

Once cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security, the project will move to formal contract signing, which will establish production schedules, workshare allocations, technology transfer terms, and long-term maintenance frameworks among the government, MDL, and TKMS.