New Delhi, 11 December 2025:
The Indian Navy is set to commission DSC A20, the first vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC) series, at Kochi on 16 December 2025 under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command. The vessel will be formally inducted in the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
The commissioning marks a significant enhancement of the Navy’s diving and underwater operational capabilities.
A Key Milestone in Indigenous Naval Shipbuilding
DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
Purpose-built for a wide spectrum of underwater missions in coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with the Navy’s latest state-of-the-art diving systems, designed to maximise safety, efficiency and mission versatility.
Advanced Design Featuring Catamaran Hull Form
The vessel features a catamaran hull design, offering multiple operational advantages:
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Superior stability
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Expanded deck area
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Improved seakeeping in varying marine conditions
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Enhanced payload and mission capability
With a displacement of approximately 390 tons, DSC A20 has been designed and constructed in accordance with Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Its hull form and structural efficiency were validated through hydrodynamic analysis and model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
Boost to Aatmanirbharta and Make in India
The commissioning of DSC A20 is a major milestone in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in defence shipbuilding.
The project exemplifies seamless collaboration between:
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The Indian Navy
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India’s indigenous shipbuilding industry
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National research organisations
This synergy demonstrates India’s growing capability to design and build specialised, technologically advanced platforms within the country.
Strengthening India’s Diving and Underwater Operations
Once commissioned, DSC A20 will significantly enhance the Navy’s capability in:
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Diving support
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Underwater inspection
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Salvage assistance
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Coastal operational deployment
Based at Kochi, the vessel will operate under the Southern Naval Command, providing vital support for underwater missions critical to naval operations, harbour infrastructure, and maritime security.
Conclusion
The induction of DSC A20 represents a major step forward in strengthening India’s maritime operational infrastructure. By enabling advanced underwater support functions and showcasing indigenous shipbuilding excellence, the Diving Support Craft reinforces the Navy’s commitment to operational readiness, technological advancement, and self-reliance.
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Source: PIB
