Kolkata: The Indian Navy has commissioned DSC A23, the fourth of five indigenously built Diving Support Craft (DSC), in a ceremony held at Titagarh, Kolkata. The commissioning marks another milestone in strengthening India’s coastal and underwater operational capabilities under the ongoing indigenous shipbuilding programme.
The ceremony was led by Deepa Sivakumar, in the presence of Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel, along with senior naval officials and representatives from Titagarh Rail Systems Limited.
Advanced design for coastal and underwater operations
DSC A23 is part of a five-vessel series designed to enhance the Navy’s diving and salvage support capabilities. The 30-metre catamaran-hull craft, with a displacement of around 380 tons, offers improved stability, larger operational deck space, and enhanced sea-keeping performance, making it suitable for complex diving missions in coastal waters and harbours.
The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Extensive hydrodynamic analysis and model testing were carried out at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
Boost to underwater and salvage capabilities
With the induction of DSC A23, the Indian Navy’s capacity for underwater inspection, diving support, salvage operations, and coastal deployment is expected to be significantly enhanced. These capabilities are critical for both peacetime operations and emergency maritime response scenarios.
Officials noted that the craft incorporates around 70 percent indigenous systems and equipment, reflecting the growing strength of India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in naval shipbuilding
The Diving Support Craft programme is being hailed as a strong example of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives in the defence sector. The vessels are being constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited under a contract signed in February 2021 between the Ministry of Defence and the shipbuilder.
Earlier, the first vessel in the series, DSC A20, was commissioned and based at Kochi, marking the beginning of operational deployment of this class.
Strengthening India’s maritime readiness
With the gradual induction of all five Diving Support Crafts, the Navy is expected to achieve improved readiness for underwater missions, coastal security tasks, and rapid response operations.
The programme underscores India’s continued focus on expanding indigenous naval capabilities and strengthening its maritime operational infrastructure across key coastal zones.
