The Indian Navy has achieved a significant milestone by undertaking its first-ever submarine rescue seat certification for a friendly foreign navy. This accomplishment underscores the Indian Navy's growing capabilities and commitment to ensuring the safety of submariners, not only within its own ranks but also for its allies.
With two advanced 'Air Transportable' Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) systems, capable of rescuing personnel from depths up to 650 meters, the Indian Navy possesses a credible submarine rescue capability. The Indian Navy's submarine rescue units have successfully acquired and demonstrated the proficiency and skills to operate the DSRV system at their optimum capabilities. This expertise was showcased to Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) during the Goa Maritime Conclave-2021 and during the MILAN exercises in 2022 and 2024. The Indian Navy is also scheduled to participate in the Submarine Rescue Exercise Pacific Reach in Singapore in September 2025.
The recent commissioning of the indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, further bolsters the Indian Navy's underwater operations and submarine rescue capabilities. Designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, the DSV will support deep-sea diving and rescue operations from distressed submarines. INS Nistar will serve as the 'Mother Ship' for deep submergence rescue vehicles to rescue and evacuate personnel from a submarine in distress well below the surface. The approx Rs 2,400 cr project of two Diving Support Vessels (Nistar & Nipun) were launched in September 2022.
The Indian Navy's dedication to submarine rescue is evident in its continuous efforts to enhance its capabilities and provide support to regional partners. Admiral DK Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized that the induction of Nistar will enable India to provide critical submarine rescue support not only to the Indian Navy but also to the submarines of regional partners, positioning India as a 'Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner' in the region. Only a few navies in the world possess such capabilities, and even fewer have developed them indigenously.
The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) is a specialized vehicle designed for rescuing personnel from disabled submarines and submersibles. The Indian Navy operates two DSRVs supplied by JFD, a UK-based company, under a contract that includes Deep Search and Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, and all logistics and support equipment required to operate the service, as well as a 25-year maintenance support service. The DSRV is capable of performing rescue operations at depths of 650m and can save 14 personnel at a time. It also features sophisticated radar and a remotely operated vehicle.
In 2019, JFD completed sea acceptance trials and training on the second of two advanced submarine rescue systems delivered to the Indian Navy. These trials, conducted on the east coast of India at Visakhapatnam, ensured a comprehensive fly-away submarine rescue capability to safeguard the lives of submariners operating anywhere in the world. The trials involved multiple dives of the system's Deep Search and Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to both fixed and angled targets, as well as mating exercises with Indian Navy submarines, including the safe transfer of personnel.
The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have been developed through partnerships with international experts and a commitment to indigenous development. The commissioning of INS Nistar and the ongoing training and certification programs demonstrate the Indian Navy's proactive approach to ensuring the safety and security of the underwater domain and its commitment to being a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
