The German government has granted Bharat’s National Security Guard (NSG) permission to procure spares and accessories for MP5 submachine guns.
This decision marks a departure from previous restrictions imposed by Germany on the sale of small arms and their spares to ‘third countries,’ which included Bharat. The NSG had acquired MP5s, manufactured by Heckler & Koch before these restrictions were enforced around 15 years ago.
The removal of these restrictions for Bharat signifies the importance Germany places on its partnership with the country.
This move will provide Bharatiya military, paramilitary forces, and state police with another avenue for purchasing small arms, expanding their options for equipment procurement. Notably, the navy’s marine commandos also utilize MP5s in their operations.
While there were earlier speculations linking the restrictions to concerns over the potential use of weapons in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and human rights issues, officials clarified that the restrictions applied broadly to all ‘third countries.’
This development coincides with Germany’s efforts to deepen its ties with Bharat across various sectors. Initiatives include strengthening cooperation in ensuring a rules-based order in the oceans amidst China’s growing influence, identifying areas for space collaboration, enhancing military-to-military interactions, and offering military platforms such as submarines to Bharat.
Furthermore, the strengthening bilateral relations, German fighter planes and transport aircraft are scheduled to participate in a major exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force in early August. The exercise, named Tarang Shakti, will bring together 12 global air forces with a focus on improving interoperability and boosting military cooperation.
In addition, in October-end, German frigate Baden Württemberg and combat support ship Frankfurt Am Main are set to make a port visit to Goa as part of their Indo-Pacific deployment. This visit underscores Germany’s commitment to contributing to the rules-based order in the region and strengthening ties with like-minded navies.
The ongoing military discussions between Germany and Bharat encompass various aspects, including submarines and engines for Bharat’s new light tank.
Last year, German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bid for a ₹43,000-crore project to build six advanced submarines in Bharat under the government’s strategic partnership model.
Known as P-75 Bharat, this project is one of the largest Make in Bharat programs, aiming to bolster domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. TKMS has proposed the advanced HDW Class 214 submarines for the project, with Germany expressing interest in advancing this as a government-to-government deal.
Spin’s Navantia is also competing for the project, highlighting the competitive landscape in Bharat’s defense procurement sector.
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