The Indian Navy has officially commissioned the first of five indigenously manufactured Diving Support Crafts (DSC), named DSC A20, during a ceremony at the Naval Base in Kochi. The event was attended by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, and was hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. The commissioning was also graced by senior naval officers, officials from Titagarh Rail System Limited based in Kolkata, and other distinguished guests.
The contract for the construction of these five Diving Support Crafts was established between the Ministry of Defence and Titagarh Rail System Limited on February 12, 2021. As part of the development process, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam conducted hydrodynamic analyses and model tests to ensure the vessels would deliver optimal performance in various operational conditions.
DSC A20 features a catamaran hull design, displacing approximately 390 tons. It is equipped with advanced diving equipment, making it capable of supporting a range of operations such as underwater repairs, inspections, harbor clearances, and essential diving missions in coastal waters. The craft has been built in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, ensuring it meets high standards of quality and safety.
The commissioning of DSC A20 represents a significant achievement for the Indian Navy, reinforcing its commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and aligning with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. The successful completion of such a specialized craft illustrates India’s expanding domestic capabilities in maritime defense and emphasizes efforts to reduce reliance on imported strategic naval assets. This milestone is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the operational readiness and versatility of the Indian Navy in coastal operations.
