Indian Navy inducts its first Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle
Indian Navy has inducted its first Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) which is deployed to rescue downed or disaster-struck submarines at high sea. It will be based in Mumbai, Maharashtra and enhance Navy’s operational capabilities. With this, India joined select list of international navies (United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore UK, Sweden and Australia) with ability to search, locate and provide assistance to downed or disaster-struck or distressed submarines at high sea. The second DSRV is expected to be inducted at Visakhapatnam in 2019.
Key Facts
The DSRVs complete with associated kit in fly away configuration, can be crucial in quickly locating submarines through vast expanse of sea and can be mobilised by air and water for rapid rescue. Thus, it can be deployed at short notice for providing assistance to submarines in distress. Some DSRV vessels are air transportable in very large military cargo. DSRVs can also be deployed for various other missions including to lay cables on the sea bed.
Background
The induction of DSRV is part of Indian Navy’s efforts to enhance operational capabilities when China has been ramping up its maritime presence in critical sea lanes especially in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which are of strategic importance to India. Earlier in 2017, Indian Navy also had operationalised new concept of deployment of warships in IOR to effectively counter China’s growing presence in the strategically key waters. The new mission-based deployment involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications.
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Month: Current Affairs - October, 2018