Indian Navy’s “Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle” during the exercise. (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy has demonstrated its growing capability in submarine rescue operations during a complex multinational exercise hosted by Singapore, marking several firsts for its “Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle” (DSRV) programme.
The Navy’s Submarine Rescue Unit (East), deployed aboard INS Nistar, successfully completed three mating operations with international submarines during Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, held from September 15 to 25. The achievement positions India among a select group of nations with proven submarine rescue capabilities.
Exercise Pacific Reach, a biennial event initiated in 1996, brought together more than 40 countries in its ninth edition. Nearly 600 personnel from 17 countries participated in the drills, which were designed to strengthen international cooperation in submarine escape and rescue operations.
As the final salute echoed and the seas grew calm, #XPR25 drew to a close - not just an exercise, but a testament to trust beneath the waves.
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 1, 2025
Hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy #RSN, this global convergence of rescue forces forged bonds of courage and cooperation.… pic.twitter.com/kL5nUhM26B
The exercise unfolded in two distinct phases. The shore phase, conducted from September 15 to 20, featured professional exchanges and an international medical symposium where India presented its DSRV system and post-rescue medical protocols. The sea phase, held in the South China Sea from September 21 to 25, tested operational capabilities under realistic conditions.
Three rescue units participated, embarked on their respective mother ships: MV Swift Rescue from Singapore, JS Chiyoda from Japan, and INS Nistar from India. They operated alongside submarines from the Republic of Korea Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, and the Republic of Singapore Navy, which simulated disabled vessels requiring rescue.
The Indian DSRV, designated Tiger X, achieved a significant milestone on September 23 when it completed its first operational dive outside the Indian Ocean region. The vessel successfully mated with the Republic of Korea Navy’s submarine Shin Dol-Seok (S-082), followed by another successful mating with Singapore’s RSS Invincible.
The exercise reached its culmination on September 25 with a coordinated rescue drill involving three assets – the first such operation in the history of Exercise Pacific Reach. INS Nistar led the operation, locating and surveying the simulated distress site before passing critical information to MV Swift Rescue and JS Chiyoda.
With RSS Invincible acting as the disabled submarine, India’s remotely operated vehicle and DSRV were deployed in rapid succession. The Indian team achieved mating within one hour of the dive, demonstrating operational efficiency under pressure.
The exercise represents a significant advancement for India’s submarine rescue capabilities. The country operates a fleet of submarines including Kalvari-class vessels and Russian-origin Kilo-class boats, making rescue capability essential for submarine operations.
INS Nistar, an indigenously designed and constructed diving support vessel, serves as the mother ship for India’s submarine rescue operations. The vessel’s participation in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 underscores India’s commitment to submarine safety and international cooperation in underwater rescue operations.
The successful operations at XPR-25 mark India’s first foreign submarine matings and its debut in a multinational coordinated rescue drill, establishing the country as a credible player in the global submarine rescue community.
