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India showcases submarine rescue capability at MILAN 2026

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Indian Navy on Wednesday showcased its cutting-edge Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) capability at the ongoing MILAN 2026, reaffirming its commitment to submarine safety and global maritime cooperation.

Speaking during the demonstration, Captain Vikas Gautam, Officer-in-Charge, Submarine Rescue Unit (East), described the DSRV as a “critical lifeline” designed to locate and rescue submariners from distressed submarines in the most demanding maritime environments.

“The true measure of any navy is not only in its firepower, but in its resolve and capability to bring its men and women home safely,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Indian Navy inducted two DSRV systems between 2018 and 2019, positioning one each on its eastern and western seaboards to ensure rapid response coverage.

The system is modular, containerised and fully air-transportable, enabling swift deployment across multiple theatres of operation.

According to Gautam, the rescue system comprises five major components — intervention system, rescue vehicle, launch and recovery system, deck decompression chambers and independent power generators.

The submarine rescue vehicle, call sign “Tiger 10”, is a third-generation system capable of operating at depths of up to 650 metres and rescuing up to 14 personnel per dive.

It is supported by a work-class remotely operated vehicle capable of operating up to 1,000 metres to survey and prepare a distressed submarine for rescue.

The launch and recovery system can conduct launch operations up to sea state 4 and recovery up to sea state 6, while three deck decompression chambers — each accommodating 30 personnel — ensure safe post-rescue decompression.

The demonstration was conducted from INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel, designed to deploy and sustain submarine rescue and deep-sea intervention operations.

Indian Navy officials said the DSRV capability has been strengthened through real-world multinational engagements, including 11 successful submarine rendezvous and participation in major international exercises, enhancing interoperability and operational confidence.

With its membership of the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO), the Indian Navy signaled readiness to extend assistance beyond national waters, particularly within the Indian Ocean Region.

Officials noted that in an ideal scenario, the DSRV system can be mobilised and commence rescue operations within 72 to 96 hours, depending on coordination and infrastructure availability.

The showcase at MILAN 2026 drew naval representatives from several participating countries, underscoring growing global interest in submarine rescue collaboration amid increasing undersea operations worldwide.

The demonstration reinforced India’s resolve to contribute to collective maritime safety and ensure that submariners, regardless of nationality, can rely on timely and professional rescue support in times of distress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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India showcases submarine rescue capability at MILAN 2026