New Delhi: The Indian Navy announced that DSC A20, the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft, will be commissioned in Kochi on 16 December 2025. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena will preside over the ceremony as the vessel joins the Southern Naval Command. The induction adds a key operational asset that strengthens the Navy’s underwater and diving support capacity.
Indigenous design and advanced capability define DSC A20 commissioning
Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in Kolkata built DSC A20 as the lead vessel in a series of five Diving Support Craft. The ship supports a broad range of underwater missions in coastal waters. It also carries advanced diving systems that meet strict safety and efficiency standards. Additionally, the project reflects steady progress in indigenous shipbuilding.
The vessel uses a catamaran hull form that improves stability and creates a larger deck area. This design also enhances seakeeping. With a displacement of about 390 tons, the ship meets Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping. Moreover, hydrodynamic analysis and model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam confirmed its performance and reliability.
The commissioning demonstrates progress toward Aatmanirbharta and showcases the success of the Make in India initiative in naval shipbuilding. Collaboration among the Navy, Indian industry and national research organisations enabled development of this specialised and technologically advanced platform. Once based in Kochi, DSC A20 will support underwater inspection, salvage assistance, diving operations and coastal deployment.
