Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies and German firm TKMS have signed a strategic “cooperation agreement” for joint production of torpedoes in India, including technology transfer and joint development of a “Make-in-India” heavy torpedo.
The agreement lays the foundation for a long-term joint venture that will supply the Indian market with advanced heavy-weight torpedoes, strengthen the country’s technological independence and expand the domestic defense industry, the companies said in a press release.
This is the next phase of cooperation between TKMS and VEM Technologies – a defense firm specializing in the design, development and production of weapons and aerospace systems – after the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2025.
“We are completing another important milestone in our strategic partnership with VEM and underlining our commitment to the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. The transfer of our torpedo technology enables VEM to make a decisive contribution to strengthening the Indian Navy and India’s technological independence,” said Michael Ozegowski, Executive Vice President of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK (TKMS segment).
In the first phase, the agreement will enable the production of a heavy torpedo for the existing submarine fleet of the Indian Navy. The companies added that deeper cooperation in future torpedo programs is also being explored. In the medium term, the partnership is expected to lead to the creation of a joint venture between VEM and TKMS to supply high-quality heavy torpedoes to the Indian market and exploit new export opportunities.
TKMS, a 185-year-old company, is one of the world’s leading maritime companies with more than 9,100 employees in three shipyards – Kiel, Wismar and Itajaí (Brazil) – and in several global locations. It supplies submarines, naval surface vessels, marine electronics and security technology. Around 3,300 employees work at its shipyard in Kiel, the largest shipbuilding plant in Germany.
Published – 10 March 2026 21:00 IST
