Angela Merkel’s government seems about ready to strike a big deal with India on the supply of submarines in an effort to ‘head off at the pass’ the French and Russians who are also trying to boost defence ties with India.

Should a deal go ahead, which seems highly likely, it looks as if Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems – the company behind the development of the HDW 214 submarine – will be in line for a big pay day. The deal is being described as a ‘no-holds barred’ transfer of technology.

The HDW 214 submarine is claimed to offer ‘exceptional underwater endurance’.