SAREX-2026: India's Biennial Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise

#GS-3 #Defence #Disaster Management #Current Events #National #Indian Coast Guard #SAREX-2026 #Maritime Security

Key takeaways

The Indian Coast Guard inaugurated SAREX-2026 off the coast of Paradip, Odisha, involving 32 observers from 30 countries.
The exercise simulated a mass rescue operation involving a passenger aircraft with 228 persons colliding with container vessel MV Zumba.
The drills tested response protocols across the vast 4.6 million sq km Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
It integrated ISRO's satellite-based Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal (MEOLUT) to provide near-instantaneous distress alert localization.
Multiple defence arms deployed key assets including 15 ICG ships, 2 Indian Navy ships, Dornier aircraft, and C-130J aircraft.

The 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) was inaugurated off the coast of Paradip, Odisha alongside the 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting.
The exercise was inaugurated by the Raksha Rajya Mantri and features a live search and rescue demonstration at sea.

SAREX-2026 is a premier biennial multinational exercise designed to simulate complex emergencies on the high seas.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) serves as the lead agency and central coordinating authority for maritime search and rescue in India.
The exercise involves 32 observers from 30 countries, strengthening international cooperation and interoperability.

The exercise validates operational readiness for life-saving operations during aircraft ditching, vessel sinkings, and mass casualty situations.
It aims to test joint multi-platform response mechanisms and standardize standard operating procedures among participating agencies.
It fosters a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach to handle large-scale maritime disasters.

The exercise brings together the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF).
Deployed assets include 15 ICG ships, 2 Indian Navy ships, 2 Dornier aircraft, 3 Advanced Light Helicopters, 1 Chetak helicopter, 1 C-130J aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters.

The drill incorporates ISRO's Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal (MEOLUT) under the MEOSAR framework, replacing older LEOSAR and GEOSAR systems for near-instant distress beacon localization.
It simulates a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) involving a passenger aircraft carrying 228 persons ditching at sea and colliding with the container vessel MV Zumba.
Practical drills feature aircraft passenger evacuation, shipboard firefighting, liferaft air-drops from fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopter winching.
Operations test command and distress data relay across the 4.6 million sq km Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
Policy oversight is aligned with the 24th NMSAR Board meeting, chaired by the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.
The event includes tactical debriefs and tabletop simulations for foreign observers along critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).

SAREX-2026 advances India's vision of SAGAR and MAHASAGAR by building a faster, technology-driven international SAR framework.
It reinforces India's role as a primary security provider and net safety responder across the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise strengthens inter-agency coordination between defence forces, shipping authorities, coastal administrations, and aviation agencies for disaster management.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an Armed Force of the Union established under the Coast Guard Act, 1978 to safeguard India's maritime interests.
The ICG serves as the central coordinating authority for oil-spill response in India's maritime zones.