Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam.

This marks a significant enhancement to the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue infrastructure and reflects a growing emphasis on indigenous technical capability.

The newly established facility is a unique in-house test setup designed to enable shore-based trials and maintenance of the Launch and Recovery System of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). By creating this dedicated test plinth, the Navy has ensured that critical equipment can be routinely assessed and validated without relying solely on operational deployments.

The LARS is a vital component of submarine rescue operations. It enables the safe deployment and recovery of the DSRV during missions, ensuring that submariners in distress can be reached and rescued effectively.

The new test facility will provide the Submarine Rescue Unit with greater capability to maintain and validate this system, thereby strengthening operational readiness.

The facility is expected to improve the reliability and availability of the submarine rescue system by facilitating timely maintenance and testing. This will ensure that the equipment remains in peak condition and ready for immediate deployment whenever required.

The establishment of the LARS Test Plinth enhances the Navy’s ability to sustain submarine rescue preparedness along the Eastern Seaboard. Given the strategic importance of this region, rapid response capability is essential to support submarines operating in the maritime domain.

The initiative also reflects the Indian Navy’s focus on developing indigenous and in-house technical capabilities. By investing in such infrastructure, the Navy is ensuring the sustained upkeep of specialised equipment and reducing dependence on external support.

The inauguration marks another step towards strengthening the Navy’s submarine rescue ecosystem. It underscores the commitment to operational readiness and ensures that critical rescue capabilities remain available at all times.

This development comes at a time when the Indian Navy is steadily expanding its submarine fleet and enhancing underwater capabilities. The addition of the LARS Test Plinth complements ongoing efforts to modernise support systems, ensuring that the Navy can respond swiftly to emergencies and safeguard its submariners.

The group photo of officers taken during the inauguration symbolises the collective effort behind this achievement. It highlights the Navy’s determination to build a robust, self-reliant rescue infrastructure that can meet the demands of modern submarine operations.

Agencies