The Indian Navy has made a significant advancement in its underwater operational capabilities with the commissioning of its first domestically built diving support craft, DSC A20. This development not only augments the Navy’s diving capabilities but also signifies a major milestone for local shipbuilding efforts in the country.
DSC A20 is the first of five diving support crafts currently under construction. The vessel was built by Titagarh Rail System Limited following a contract signed with India’s Ministry of Defence in February 2021. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Designed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping classification rules, DSC A20 features a catamaran hull with a displacement of approximately 390 tons. The vessel is outfitted with modern diving systems that will facilitate underwater repairs, hull inspections, harbor clearance operations, and specialized diving missions in coastal waters. The development process involved meticulous hydrodynamic analysis and model testing carried out at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam.
The Indian Navy emphasized that DSC A20 will play a crucial role in maintaining fleet readiness. It is expected to support maintenance and emergency response tasks that occur below the waterline, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
The introduction of DSC A20 aligns with India’s broader strategy to strengthen its domestic naval defense portfolio. This past year alone saw the commissioning of INS Vikrant, the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. INS Vikrant is equipped with domestically developed aviation and combat support systems, marking a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities.
Furthermore, the production of surface combatants has been on the rise. The Indian Navy has inducted several Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyers since 2021, all manufactured domestically and integrated with indigenous sensors and systems, including advanced radar capabilities and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Additionally, Project 17A frigates, such as INS Nilgiri, demonstrate modern shipbuilding techniques and incorporate Indian-developed combat management systems, further solidifying India’s position in the global naval arena.
The commissioning of DSC A20 is a testament to India’s growing prowess in naval defense, showcasing an ongoing commitment to strengthening self-sufficiency in military capabilities while ensuring the readiness of its forces.
