Indian Navy Inducts DSC A20, First Indigenous Diving Support Craft

The Indian Navy achieved another milestone in its indigenisation drive with the formal delivery of DSC A20, the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft, on 16 September 2025 at Kolkata. The vessel was built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata, and handed over to the Navy in the presence of senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Contract and Development Journey

The delivery of DSC A20 comes under a contract signed on 12 February 2021 between the Ministry of Defence and TRSL for the construction of five Diving Support Craft. These ships are a vital part of the Navy’s auxiliary fleet, designed to support diving operations in coastal waters, and will significantly enhance India’s underwater operational capability.

The craft has been built to Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and represents a successful collaboration between naval designers, scientific institutions, and private industry. During the design phase, hydrodynamic analysis and model testing were conducted by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, ensuring that the craft meets stringent operational and safety standards.

Features of DSC A20

• Role: Specifically designed to conduct diving operations in coastal waters, supporting naval missions such as underwater maintenance, salvage, inspection, and repair tasks.

• Displacement: Approximately 380 tons.

• Hull Type: Modern catamaran hull design, enhancing stability, maneuverability, and operational efficiency during diving activities.

• Equipment: State-of-the-art diving systems and tools to support a variety of underwater tasks.

The catamaran configuration makes DSC A20 particularly stable, which is essential for the delicate nature of diving operations. Its advanced diving equipment also ensures that the Indian Navy divers can carry out prolonged underwater tasks safely and effectively.

Boost to Indigenous Shipbuilding

The delivery of DSC A20 is another example of the Make in India initiative in the defence sector. By developing the vessel indigenously, India not only reduces its dependency on foreign suppliers but also strengthens its domestic industrial base in shipbuilding and maritime technology.

The success of the project highlights the increasing role of private Indian shipyards, such as Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, in contributing to national defence infrastructure. The initiative has also generated employment, supported skill development, and boosted local manufacturing ecosystems.

Future Deliveries and Strategic Importance

With the first Diving Support Craft now in service, four more vessels will follow under the 2021 contract. Once inducted, the fleet of DSCs will provide the Navy with enhanced capability in underwater operations across India’s extensive coastline. These vessels will also be crucial for supporting humanitarian assistance, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and underwater repair of critical naval assets.

The induction of DSC A20 is especially significant at a time when India is strengthening its maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The vessel represents a step forward in ensuring that the Navy has the necessary support infrastructure for both peacetime operations and combat readiness.

The commissioning of DSC A20 marks a proud chapter in India’s quest for naval self-reliance. By combining indigenous design, advanced technology, and private sector participation, the Indian Navy continues to enhance its operational strength while championing the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

As the first of its class, DSC A20 stands as a flag bearer of India’s maritime innovation and a symbol of the country’s growing shipbuilding capabilities on the global stage.