The Kiel-based company TKMS has signed a letter of intent in New Delhi with the Hyderabad-based company VEM Technologies Pvt. Ltd., an Indian defence company specialising in the design, development and manufacture of weapons and airborne systems.

The cooperation had already been promised by Federal Chancellor Scholz in 2024 during his visit during the Indo-Pacific deployment of the German Navy. India is a growing market for the German defence industry. Russia exports twenty times as much as Germany. India has decided in favour of the German Class 214 submarine from TKMS. The Indian government under Prime Minister Modi announced that the Kiel-based company had won the international competition. Against the background of the Indian Prime Minister's almost simultaneous meeting with his counterparts from China and Russia, the timing is somewhat unfortunate for the observer. India is also cooperating with France , but at the same time wants to supply Russia with high-tech. The 'Make-in-India' strategy is an opportunity for the Germans and probably also for the German-Indian relationship, which has been put on a different footing since last year at the latest.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement will form the basis for the India-based development, production, integration, testing and modernisation of heavyweight torpedoes. And this with the support of TKMS and its ATLAS ELEKTRONIK segment. Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, emphasises: "The letter of intent sends a clear signal: TKMS stands by the Indian Navy as a reliable partner. With our technical expertise, we are driving forward the 'Make-in-India' strategy and strengthening the local defence industry in the long term."

In addition to the MoU, TKMS is also intensifying its co-operation with the Indian company CFF Fluid Control Limited, a specialist in mechanical and electronic weapon systems for the Indian Navy. The aim is to advance the development and production of advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems for surface vessels and various other strategic applications. Both parties are currently exploring further opportunities to intensify their co-operation with TKMS. These include participation in the P75(I) submarine programme, cooperation with the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and other Indian organisations, as well as the establishment of expanded production sites. These centres will serve both Indian and international customers in the future.

India is strongly developing its defence industry to become more self-sufficient and play a role as an export nation in the global defence market, which is being driven by the "Make in India" initiative. The country is the fourth strongest military power in the world. Although India has a domestic production of fighter jets and tanks, it also cooperates with foreign companies for technological know-how and the development of its defence capacities.