The Indian Navy is set to commission DSC A20, the first vessel in its fully indigenous series of Diving Support Crafts, on 16 December 2025 at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command. The ceremony will be held in the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. With this induction, the Navy adds a significant new operational asset to strengthen its underwater and diving support capabilities.
DSC A20 is the lead ship among five Diving Support Crafts being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata. Purpose-designed for a wide range of coastal diving and underwater missions, the vessel is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems, offering high standards of safety and efficiency.
The craft features a catamaran hull design, which provides superior stability, increased deck space and better seakeeping performance. It has a displacement of around 390 tons and has been designed and constructed as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Naval Rules. The vessel also underwent extensive hydrodynamic testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, ensuring optimal performance.
The commissioning of DSC A20 is a major step toward India’s goal of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing and showcases the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the maritime sector. The project reflects close collaboration between the Indian Navy, domestic shipbuilders, and national research institutions.
Once commissioned, DSC A20 will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command, bolstering the Navy’s capability in diving support, underwater inspections, salvage operations, and coastal deployment.
This landmark induction marks a significant boost to India’s indigenous naval construction and operational preparedness in coastal and underwater domains.
