INS Sumedha

Sept. 16, 2023

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha recently participated in Exercise Bright Star-23 with multiple other navies in the Mediterranean Sea.

About INS Sumedha:

INS Sumedha is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV).
It was indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on March 7, 2014.
It is part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, based in Visakhapatnam.
Primary Functions: To undertake EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, provide maritime security to offshore assets and carry out escort operations for high-value assets.
Features:
- It has a displacement of 2,230 tonnes and measures 105 metres in length and 12.9 metres in beam.
- It is fitted with a state-of-the-art weapon and sensor package.
- It can carry an Advanced Light Combat Helicopter onboard.
- The ship is propelled by two diesel engines, the largest of their kind ever deployed in the Indian Navy, which allow it to reach a top speed of 25 knots.
- With a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km) at 16 knots (30 km/h), the offshore patrol vessel is suitable for extended missions and operations.

Key Facts about Exercise Bright Star-23:

It is a biennial multinational tri-service exercise.
It is conducted in northern Egypt and led by the US and Egyptian armed forces.
It is the largest-ever joint military exercise in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Since its inception in 1980, it has occurred 18 times.
This edition of the exercise saw participation from 34 countries, including India.