Indian Navy Commissions First Indigenously Built Diving Support Craft DSC A20 in Kochi
The Indian Navy has commissioned DSC A20, the inaugural vessel among five Diving Support Crafts (DSC) constructed domestically, during a formal ceremony at the Naval Base in Kochi. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, led the event, which was organized by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. The commissioning was attended by senior naval officers, representatives from Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata, and other distinguished guests.
A contract to build the five DSCs was finalized between the Ministry of Defence and Titagarh Rail System Limited on February 12, 2021. The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam played a crucial role during the design phase, performing hydrodynamic analysis and model testing to ensure the crafts' optimal functionality.
Featuring a catamaran-hull design, the DSC A20 displaces approximately 390 tons. This vessel is outfitted with advanced diving equipment and is intended for tasks such as underwater repairs, inspections, harbor clearances, and essential diving missions within coastal areas. Its construction adheres to the classification standards set by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
The induction of DSC A20 represents a pivotal development in the Indian Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This achievement underscores India’s expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities, fostering self-sufficiency and diminishing reliance on foreign imports for vital naval resources.
