Fleet’s Submarine Group is participating in INVITEX KURTARAN 2025

For the first time, the Philippine Fleet’s Submarine Group participated in Exercise INVITEX KURTARAN 2025, a submarine search and rescue exercise held in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea near Aksaz Naval Base, Turkey from April 24 to 30.
During the exercise, participating navies engaged in a series of coordinated operations, planning and executing live drills aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving rescue capabilities, and strengthening international cooperation in submarine search and rescue operations. These drills included locating and identifying the Distressed Submarine (DISSUB), Search Exercise (SEARCHEX), Escape Exercise (ESCAPEX), Submarine Parachute Assistance Group Exercise (SPAGEX), Rescue Exercise (RESCUEX), Ventilation Exercise (VENTEX), Personnel Transfer Under Pressure Exercise (PODEX), Medical Exercise (MEDEX), and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations.
Representing the Philippine Fleet, Submarine Group Commander Capt Angelito Diaz, and Director of Submarine Operations Center Lt Cdr Benjamin Magura took part in the hands-on drills and direct observation of critical submarine search and rescue operations which validated the participants’ theoretical knowledge.
The Fleet’s first-ever participation in this high-level training for search and rescue teams and planners, based on a generic scenario and supported by various submarine search and rescue assets, was made possible by its recent membership with the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO).
The real submarine search and rescue experience during the INVITEX KURTARAN 2025 has provided a valuable reference for the Fleet in the development of the Philippine Navy’s Submarine Search and Rescue Manual which is vital in advancing its submarine capability.
Philippine Fleet @87: Forging a modern and mission-ready Fleet: Strengthening Archipelagic Defense with discipline and determination, putting mission first, family always, and God above all.