The Indian Navy is all set to commission its first indigenously built Diving Support Craft (DSC A20) on 16 December 2025 at Kochi, under the Southern Naval Command.
This commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) and will greatly enhance the Navy’s underwater operations, diving support, and coastal mission capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
Indian Navy to Commission First Indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A20 on 16 December 2025
Part of a Class of Five Indigenously Built Vessels
DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
These vessels are custom-designed to perform diving, inspection, and maintenance operations in coastal and harbour waters.
Key Mission Capabilities Include:
- Diving support for naval underwater operations
- Underwater inspection and maintenance of ships and submarines
- Search and salvage assistance
- Coastal security and fleet support missions
The vessels are built with advanced diving systems that adhere to Naval and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) safety standards, ensuring reliability and operational safety during complex underwater tasks.
Advanced Design and Engineering
One of the most notable features of DSC A20 is its catamaran hull design, which provides:
- Superior stability during diving and support operations
- Larger deck space for diving gear and maintenance equipment
- Enhanced seakeeping capability, allowing smooth operation in challenging sea conditions
With a displacement of approximately 390 tons, the craft combines efficiency, safety, and endurance, making it a vital asset for coastal missions.
Scientifically Validated Performance
Before commissioning, DSC A20 underwent rigorous hydrodynamic analysis and model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.
These scientific evaluations confirmed the craft’s high performance, safety, and mission readiness, ensuring optimal functionality during real-world operations.
Boost to Aatmanirbharta in Defence Shipbuilding
The successful completion and commissioning of DSC A20 demonstrate India’s rising capability in indigenous ship design and manufacturing.
The project represents effective collaboration between:
- Indian Navy
- Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) – the builder
- NSTL, Visakhapatnam – technical validation partner
This initiative is a strong reflection of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence production and maritime technology.
Operational Role and Deployment
Post-commissioning, DSC A20 will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command.
Enhanced Operational Roles:
- Underwater inspection and repair of naval platforms
- Diving and salvage operations in coastal waters
- Search and Rescue (SAR) diving support
- Training and operational support for naval divers
The vessel’s induction will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s underwater mission capability and coastal readiness, making it a vital component in maritime security operations.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Vessel Name: DSC A20
- Type: Diving Support Craft (Indigenous)
- Commissioning Date: 16 December 2025
- Location: Kochi, Kerala
- Under Command: Southern Naval Command
- Chief Guest: Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena
- Built By: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata
- Total Vessels in Class: 5
- Displacement: ~390 tons
- Hull Type: Catamaran design
- Tested At: NSTL, Visakhapatnam
- Certifying Authority: Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
- Purpose: Underwater inspection, diving support, salvage, fleet support
- Alignment: Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives
Question & Answer
Q1. What is DSC A20 recently inducted by the Indian Navy?
(a) Submarine Rescue Vessel
(b) Diving Support Craft
(c) Frigate
(d) Minesweeper
Answer: Diving Support Craft
Q2. When will the Indian Navy commission DSC A20?
(a) 10 December 2025
(b) 12 December 2025
(c) 16 December 2025
(d) 20 December 2025
Answer: 16 December 2025
Q3. Where will DSC A20 be commissioned?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Kochi
(c) Visakhapatnam
(d) Goa
Answer: Kochi
Q4. Which company built the Diving Support Craft DSC A20?
(a) Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
(b) Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
(c) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
(d) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Answer: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
Q5. How many Diving Support Crafts are planned in this class?
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 5
(d) 6
Answer: 5
Q6. Under which naval command will DSC A20 operate?
(a) Western Naval Command
(b) Eastern Naval Command
(c) Southern Naval Command
(d) Andaman & Nicobar Command
Answer: Southern Naval Command
Q7. Which laboratory conducted performance testing for DSC A20?
(a) DRDO HQ
(b) NSTL, Visakhapatnam
(c) NIOT, Chennai
(d) CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru
Answer: NSTL, Visakhapatnam
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