Indian Navy Launches ‘DSC A 23’ in Kolkata: Strengthening Underwater Operations Capability

In a significant boost to India's naval capabilities and indigenous shipbuilding programme, the Indian Navy on Saturday launched DSC A 23, the fourth vessel in a series of five Diving Support Crafts (DSCs), at Titagarh, Kolkata. The launch ceremony was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial grandeur.

The vessel was ceremonially launched by Mrs. Deepa Sivakumar in the distinguished presence of Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and representatives of M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), the shipbuilder executing the project.

Strengthening India's Underwater Operational Readiness

The DSC project is a key component of the Indian Navy's efforts to enhance its underwater operational capabilities, particularly in coastal and harbour environments. Once inducted, these vessels will significantly augment the Navy's capacity for:

• Diving support operations

• Underwater inspection and maintenance

• Salvage and recovery missions

• Coastal operational deployments

Given the increasing strategic importance of maritime security and underwater infrastructure protection, such platforms are vital for ensuring rapid response and operational readiness.

Advanced Design for Superior Stability and Performance

The DSC A 23 features a 30-metre-long catamaran hull design with an approximate displacement of 380 tonnes, offering enhanced stability and improved sea-keeping characteristics compared to conventional monohull vessels.

The catamaran configuration provides:

• Greater deck space for diving operations and equipment handling

• Improved balance and reduced roll in coastal waters

• Enhanced operational efficiency during complex underwater missions

These features make the craft particularly suited for sustained diving operations in challenging maritime conditions, including shallow waters and busy harbour zones.

Rigorous Testing and Compliance with Naval Standards

The vessel has been designed and built in strict accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring high standards of safety, performance, and reliability.

Prior to construction, the project underwent extensive:

• Model testing

• Hydrodynamic analysis

at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. These tests ensured optimal hull performance, fuel efficiency, and operational stability under diverse sea conditions.

A Strong Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

A notable highlight of the DSC programme is its strong emphasis on indigenous content. Approximately 70% of the ship's main and auxiliary equipment has been sourced from Indian manufacturers, making it a significant milestone under the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

The collaboration with M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited underscores the growing role of private industry in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding, contributing to the development of a robust domestic defence industrial base.

Part of a Larger Strategic Vision

The launch of DSC A 23 comes amid India's broader push to modernise its naval fleet and strengthen maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. With increasing focus on underwater domain awareness, seabed infrastructure protection, and disaster response, specialised vessels like Diving Support Crafts are becoming indispensable assets.

Once all five DSCs are commissioned, they are expected to provide the Indian Navy with enhanced flexibility and capability in conducting specialised underwater tasks across multiple operational theatres.

A Milestone in Naval Capability and Self-Reliance

The successful launch of the fourth Diving Support Craft marks steady progress in the project timeline and reflects India's growing expertise in designing and constructing specialised naval platforms domestically.

As the Indian Navy continues to expand and modernise, such indigenous platforms will play a critical role in ensuring operational readiness, technological self-reliance, and maritime security.