Indian-South African Defence: India and South Africa have taken a big step in working together for submarine safety. Last year on 3 September 2024, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and South African Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese signed an important rescue cooperation agreement. This agreement gives India the right to send its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, or DSRV, to help South African submarines if they ever face an emergency underwater.
Recently, both navies completed a special certification exercise on the South African submarine SAS Manthatisi. This test proved that India’s DSRVs can connect and dock with the submarine during a rescue mission. It’s the first time India has done this type of docking procedure for any foreign navy.
Adani Defence Joins Prime Aero to Fully Acquire Indamer Technics
First-Ever Indian DSRV Mission
An Indian Navy team traveled to Simon’s Town in South Africa to carry out the exercise. During the visit, the delegation met Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, who is the Flag Officer of the South African Navy Fleet. They also had detailed technical talks with ARMSCOR Dockyard, the Institute of Maritime Technology, and engineers from the South African Navy reported ET.
The Ministry of Defence shared in a statement that this Implementing Agreement shows a strong commitment from both countries towards safety at sea and helping each other in times of need. They also said this partnership builds on the old and trusted maritime relationship between India and South Africa.
Two Indigenous Stealth Frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, to Join Indian Navy on August 26
If a submarine is in trouble, both navies can respond faster and more effectively. It also shows that India is becoming more capable in very technical and life-saving missions at sea, not only for its own submarines but also for its friends and partners.
