Indian Navy Unveils Fifth Diving Support Craft DSC A24, Enhancing Indigenous Shipbuilding Efforts
The Indian Navy marked a significant advancement in its indigenous shipbuilding efforts with the launch of DSC A24, the final vessel in the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, on August 1, 2026, in Titagarh, Kolkata. The ceremony, executed with full naval traditions, saw Mrs. Kamal Singh christen the vessel in the presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel.
High-ranking officials from the Indian Navy and representatives from M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), the company responsible for constructing all five vessels in this project, were in attendance during the event.
DSC A24, adhering to the Indian Register of Shipping's Naval Rules, boasts a catamaran-hull design with a displacement ranging from 300 to 400 tonnes. Its twin-hull structure offers enhanced stability, increased deck space, and improved sea-keeping capabilities, making it apt for demanding diving and underwater support missions.
The Diving Support Craft are tailored to execute a variety of specialized tasks such as diving support, underwater inspections, salvage operations, and coastal deployments. Their introduction will greatly augment the Indian Navy's abilities in underwater maintenance and inspection of naval assets, in addition to harbor support and maritime rescue missions.
Finishing the construction of these five vessels represents a crucial enhancement of the Navy's underwater support infrastructure. These craft are set to provide vital assistance in diving operations, underwater repairs, salvage tasks, and emergency situations, thereby affording the fleet more operational flexibility.
A major aspect of this project is its focus on indigenous production, with nearly 70 percent of the main and auxiliary equipment sourced from Indian manufacturers. This aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives within the defense sector.
The launch of DSC A24 highlights the expanding capabilities of India's domestic shipbuilding industry. This project, undertaken by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, illustrates the growing competence of Indian shipyards to design and construct specialized naval platforms that align with the operational demands of the Indian Navy.
With the introduction of the fifth Diving Support Craft, the Indian Navy bolsters its underwater operational strength, furthering its commitment to self-reliance in defense production and maritime capability expansion. The project signifies another pivotal milestone in India's pursuit of a modern, technologically advanced, and indigenously equipped naval force.
