A First in Submarine Rescue Cooperation
The Indian Navy has achieved a major milestone by conducting its first-ever “rescue seat certification” for a friendly foreign navy—South Africa’s Heroine-class submarine, “SAS Manthatisi”.
What the Certification Enables
- Under the 2024 Submarine Rescue and Cooperation Agreement, India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) can now be deployed to assist SAS Manthatisi in emergencies.
- The certification confirms operational compatibility between the rescue systems of the two navies.
Strategic and Technical Collaboration
The Indian Navy team travelled to “Simon’s Town”, South Africa, for the exercise. They engaged with South African Navy officials, including Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, and conducted technical discussions with arms and maritime institutions like Armscor Dockyard and the Institute of Maritime Technology.
Broader Defence Partnership
- This follows the 9th Joint Defence Committee meeting held in June 2025 in Johannesburg, where submarine cooperation was a key agenda.
- India and South Africa have shared a defence cooperation relationship since 1996, marked by successive agreements that now include submarine rescue readiness.
Why It Matters
This certification emphasises India’s growing role in international naval safety and undersea rescue operations. It also reinforces bilateral trust and strategic presence in the “Indian Ocean Region”, elevating capability and cooperation between both nations.
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