The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha, a Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), recently took part in Exercise Bright Star-23 in the Mediterranean Sea. Commissioned in 2014 and based in Visakhapatnam, INS Sumedha’s primary functions include EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, maritime security, and escort operations. With a displacement of 2,230 tonnes and advanced weaponry, it can also carry an Advanced Light Combat Helicopter. Exercise Bright Star-23, led by the US and Egyptian armed forces, is a biennial multinational tri-service exercise and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region, involving 34 countries, including India.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV): These vessels are a series of indigenously designed and built offshore patrol vessels used by the Indian Navy for various maritime operations and security tasks.
- Goa Shipyard Limited: Goa Shipyard Limited is a shipbuilding company in India that played a crucial role in the construction of INS Sumedha and other naval vessels.
- EEZ Surveillance: Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance involves monitoring and safeguarding a nation’s exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from its coastline and encompasses maritime resources and activities.
- Advanced Light Combat Helicopter: The Advanced Light Combat Helicopter (ALCH) is an indigenous attack helicopter developed for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Exercise Bright Star-23: This is a significant multinational military exercise held in Egypt, designed to enhance interoperability and cooperation among participating countries. It involves various branches of the armed forces and is one of the largest exercises in the region.