The Indian Navy achieved another milestone in its indigenous shipbuilding programme with the launch of DSC A24, the fifth and final vessel of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, at Titagarh, Kolkata, on 1 August 2026. The vessel was launched by Mrs Kamal Singh in the presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel, during a ceremony conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Indian Navy and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), the shipbuilder responsible for constructing all five Diving Support Craft under the project.
Designed and built in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), DSC A24 features a catamaran-hull design with an approximate displacement of 300 to 400 tonnes. The twin-hull configuration provides superior stability, a larger working deck area and enhanced sea-keeping characteristics, making the vessel ideally suited for demanding diving and underwater support operations.
The Diving Support Craft are specifically designed to undertake a wide range of specialised missions, including diving support operations, underwater inspection, salvage assistance and coastal operational deployment. Their induction will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s capability to conduct underwater maintenance, inspection of naval assets, harbour support and maritime rescue operations.
The completion of the five-vessel project marks an important step in strengthening the Navy’s underwater support infrastructure. These specialised craft will provide critical assistance during diving missions, underwater repairs, salvage tasks and emergency response operations, ensuring greater operational flexibility for the fleet.
A key highlight of the project is its strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. Nearly 70 percent of the main and auxiliary equipment installed onboard has been sourced from Indian manufacturers, reflecting the Government of India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative in the defence sector.
The successful launch of DSC A24 also underscores the growing capabilities of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry. Built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, the project demonstrates the increasing ability of Indian shipyards to design and construct specialised naval platforms that meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy.
With the launch of the fifth and final Diving Support Craft, the Indian Navy further strengthens its underwater operational capabilities while reinforcing its long-term vision of self-reliance in defence production and maritime capability development. The project represents another significant milestone in India’s journey towards building a modern, technologically advanced and indigenously equipped naval force.
