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5th September 2024 (11 Topics)

Submarine Rescue Support Cooperation

Context

In a significant milestone to develop bilateral naval cooperation, the Indian Navy and the South African Navy have signed an Implementing Agreement (IA) that ensures the safety of the South African Navy’s submarine crew in times of distress or accident.

Key-highlights of the Agreement

  • Under this agreement, the Indian Navy will provide assistance by deploying its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) when required, further strengthening the collaborative ties between the two navies. This partnership reinforces the longstanding maritime relationship between India and South Africa.
  • Need: In 2023, three South African Navy personnel were killed after an incident at sea off the coast of Cape Town with SAS Manthatisi, one of the three HDW submarines from Germany in service. South Africa is among a handful of African countries with submarines.

Capabilities of India's Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)

  • deep-submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) is a type of deep-submergence vehicle used for the rescue of sunk submarines and clandestine missions
    • A clandestine operation is an intelligence or military operation carried out in such a way that the operation goes unnoticed by the general population or specific enemy force).
  • While DSRV is the term most often used by the United States Navy, other nations have different designations for their vehicles.
  • India procured two DSRVs from the UK, operationalized in 2018 and stationed in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. The DSRV can reach depths up to 650 meters and rescue up to 14 people at a time. It is equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
  • The DSRV system is modular, consisting of 24 components for ease of transportation by road, sea, or air.
  • It can be deployed from the mother ship INS Sabarmati or heavy transport aircraft like IL-76 and C-17.

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