Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has strengthened its footprint in India through a series of agreements with local defense companies to jointly produce naval weapons and anti-submarine warfare systems. The collaborations reflect the growing partnership between German maritime technology and India’s expanding defense industry.
These initiatives align closely with the “Make in India” campaign, an industrial policy launched in 2014 to reduce import dependency, enhance domestic capabilities, and boost India’s profile as a global industrial center. By leveraging TKMS’ expertise in naval systems and India’s growing industrial base, the partnerships aim to contribute to both strategic autonomy and regional security.
A notable step is TKMS’ memorandum of understanding with VEM Technologies, headquartered in Hyderabad, to co-develop heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy. Atlas Elektronik, TKMS’ subsidiary based in Bremen, will contribute technical know-how, while VEM will handle integration and testing. Additionally, the partners are exploring cooperation in submarine projects such as the P75(I) program, as well as new opportunities to set up production facilities catering to domestic and international markets.
