Indian Navy and South African Navy sign agreement to enhance submarine rescue cooperation.

According to information published by the Indian government on September 4, 2024, the Indian Navy and the South African Navy have signed an Implementing Agreement (IA) aimed at enhancing submarine rescue support.
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Indian Navy's Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle. (Picture source: Indian Gov)

The Implementing Agreement highlights a mutual commitment to maritime safety and underscores the strategic partnership between India and South Africa. As part of the agreement, the Indian Navy will provide assistance to the South African Navy by deploying its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) in situations where a submarine crew is in distress or during an accident.

Indian Navy's DSRV

The program was initiated in response to a growing need for rapid and effective rescue solutions for submarines in distress, especially after accidents such as the INS Sindhurakshak incident, which underscored the critical need for such a capability.

The Indian Navy has inducted two state-of-the-art DSRVs, designed and supplied by James Fisher Defence in the UK. These systems are equipped with advanced technology, including side-scan sonar for locating distressed submarines, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for initial assessments, and a pressurized capsule capable of rescuing personnel from depths of up to 650 meters.

This capability allows the Indian Navy to provide submarine rescue services not only for its fleet but also potentially for other friendly navies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The DSRVs have undergone extensive sea trials, successfully demonstrating their ability to perform live rescue operations. The trials included underwater mating with submarines and transferring personnel from a distressed submarine to the DSRV, effectively proving their operational readiness. Each DSRV can rescue up to 14 personnel in one dive, and the system is designed for rapid deployment by air, land, or sea.

The procurement of these rescue vehicles is part of a broader initiative to enhance India's maritime safety infrastructure. This positions the Indian Navy among a select group of navies worldwide that possess such advanced rescue capabilities​.