‘Make-in-India’ heavyweight torpedoes on the way with VEM–TKMS agreement

Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies and German firm TKMS have signed a strategic ‘Teaming Agreement’ for joint production of torpedoes in India, including technology transfer and the co-development of a “Make‑in‑India” heavyweight torpedo.

The agreement lays the foundation for a long-term joint venture to supply the Indian market with modern heavyweight torpedoes, strengthening the country’s technological independence and expanding the domestic defence industry, the companies said in a press release.

This marks the next phase of collaboration between TKMS and VEM Technologies — a defence firm specialising in the design, development and manufacture of weapon and air-based systems – after the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2025.

“We are completing the next 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 (a TKMS segment).

In the first phase, the agreement will enable production of a heavyweight torpedo for the Indian Navy’s existing submarine fleet. The companies added that deeper cooperation in future torpedo programmes is also being explored. In the medium term, the partnership is expected to lead to the formation of a joint venture between VEM and TKMS to supply high‑quality heavyweight torpedoes to the Indian market and tap new export opportunities.

TKMS, a 185‑year‑old company, is one of the world’s leading naval firms with more than 9,100 employees across three shipyards – Kiel, Wismar and Itajaí (Brazil) – and several global locations. It supplies submarines, naval surface vessels, maritime electronics and security technologies. Around 3,300 employees work at its Kiel yard, the largest shipbuilding location in Germany, the release added.