The Indian Navy has strengthened its submarine rescue infrastructure with the inauguration of a new Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the facility, marking another step towards improving the Navy’s preparedness for underwater emergencies.
The newly established test facility has been developed as an in-house setup to support shore-based trials and maintenance of the LARS used with the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The arrangement will allow critical components of the rescue system to be examined, tested and maintained under controlled conditions without depending exclusively on operational deployments.
The LARS plays an important role in submarine rescue missions. It is responsible for the safe launch and recovery of the DSRV, a specialised vehicle designed to reach submarines in distress and support the evacuation of personnel during emergencies. Maintaining the reliability of the launch and recovery equipment is therefore essential to ensuring that the complete rescue system can be deployed when required.
The new test plinth is expected to provide the Submarine Rescue Unit with greater flexibility in carrying out routine checks and maintenance. Regular testing can help identify technical issues at an early stage, improve equipment availability and ensure that key rescue assets remain ready for rapid deployment.
The facility also has particular significance for the eastern seaboard, where maintaining a dependable submarine rescue capability is important for supporting naval underwater operations. A dedicated shore-based testing arrangement can reduce maintenance delays and improve the Navy’s ability to sustain its specialised rescue equipment.
The inauguration further reflects the Indian Navy’s continuing emphasis on strengthening indigenous and in-house technical capabilities. Developing supporting infrastructure alongside major operational assets is increasingly important for maintaining long-term readiness and reducing dependence on external maintenance arrangements.
With the addition of the LARS Test Plinth, the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) gains an important support capability for sustaining its DSRV-related systems. The facility is expected to contribute to faster maintenance, improved reliability and stronger emergency preparedness, reinforcing the Navy’s broader focus on protecting submariners and maintaining operational readiness across the maritime domain.