ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' Stealth Submarine Design Achieves Major Milestone for Indian Navy’s P-75I Program

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has reached a significant milestone in the development of its advanced submarine design, a major step forward for India's P-75I program. The company recently completed a crucial Design Review, showcasing a cutting-edge submarine concept that emphasizes "Stealth Shaping" technology.

The new design is a refined evolution of the Type-212CD submarines, which are currently being developed for Germany and Norway. Although the Indian variant of this design has not been officially named by TKMS, it draws heavily from the Type-212CD, incorporating key advancements that set it apart from the earlier Type-212A models.

This design review was comprehensive, involving the meticulous analysis of over 100,000 pages of documentation. The review ensured that the design met about 6,000 contractual requirements, as validated by the German Ministry of Defence. This rigorous process underscores the design’s robustness and TKMS’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product.

A standout feature of the Type-212CD design is its stealth capabilities. Unlike traditional submarines with rounded hulls, this design utilizes angled hulls that significantly reduce the reflection of sonar waves. This innovative approach results in a much lower acoustic signature, allowing the submarine to operate with greater stealth and effectiveness in contested maritime environments.

The Indian Navy's P-75I program aims to enhance its underwater capabilities with the acquisition of six advanced diesel-electric submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology. This program is crucial for maintaining India's strategic advantage in the region. The successful completion of TKMS’s Design Review represents a crucial step toward fulfilling these requirements and bringing the submarine closer to operational readiness.