New Delhi: France’s Naval Group has criticised Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for sharing submarine-making technology with countries such as Turkey and South Korea, which have since developed their own capabilities.
The French firm’s contention was that such transfer of technology (ToT) was creating competition, with other countries now being able to manufacture and export submarines.
Naval Group’s head of strategy, Guillaume Rochard, criticised TKMS during a roundtable discussion in Paris earlier this month, calling them “champions at creating new competitors”. He stated that the Naval Group takes a more cautious approach to technology sharing to avoid fostering competition, unlike TKMS.
He pointed out that TKMS, which has been shortlisted for India’s Project 75(I), a submarine programme by the Ministry of Defence—entailing heavy ToT, including design handover—has made significant technology transfers to Turkey and South Korea, enabling these nations to build and export submarines independently.
TKMS previously supplied Turkey with six submarines equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion systems, which eventually led to Turkey constructing its first locally developed submarine.
Similarly, TKMS provided designs and key components for South Korea’s Type 214 submarines, constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. These collaborations have helped both countries establish themselves in the global submarine market.
In response to Naval Group’s criticism, TKMS defended its practices, stating that it adheres to responsible technology transfer standards and ensures the protection of intellectual property. The company emphasised that its technology transfers are designed to help customers operate submarines effectively for national defence.
Meanwhile, in India, TKMS has been in discussions for a multi-billion-dollar deal to build six submarines in collaboration with Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy. This project aims to position India as a global hub for submarine and warship construction.
This is not the first time TKMS has been engaged by India for a submarine-building programme. As far back as the 1980s, India signed a submarine deal with TKMS, which also involved ToT. However, a bribery scandal in 1987 involving its subsidiary HDW led to HDW being blacklisted. While four submarines were eventually built and procured by India, the ToT never took place.
Chandan Singh is an intern with ThePrint
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
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