Navy boosts submarine rescue readiness in Visakhapatnam
The Eastern Naval Command has strengthened its submarine rescue preparedness with the inauguration of an in-house Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the newly established shore-based facility, which is designed to support comprehensive trials, testing, and essential maintenance of the LARS used by the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
According to an official release, the facility will play a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of the DSRV and associated rescue systems. It is expected to ensure the sustained availability of critical submarine rescue assets deployed along the Eastern Seaboard.
The LARS is a crucial component of submarine rescue operations, enabling the safe launch, recovery, and handling of the DSRV during rescue missions. Regular testing and maintenance of the system are essential to ensure that the rescue vehicle can be deployed quickly and reliably during an emergency.
Naval officials said the availability of an indigenous, shore-based testing facility would significantly reduce dependence on external infrastructure and help minimise equipment downtime. It will also allow maintenance teams to carry out essential checks and trials in a controlled environment, thereby streamlining the overall maintenance cycle.
The facility is expected to improve the turnaround time for maintenance and ensure that critical rescue equipment remains available for operations. This will be particularly important in maintaining the Navy’s readiness to respond to submarine emergencies in the deep sea.
The establishment of the LARS Test Plinth is also seen as part of the Eastern Naval Command’s continuing efforts to strengthen its specialised submarine rescue infrastructure and enhance its ability to undertake complex underwater rescue missions.
With the new facility, the Eastern Naval Command is better positioned to maintain its deep-sea submarine rescue capability and provide a rapid response in the event of an underwater emergency along India’s eastern maritime front.