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.
