The Indian Navy has launched DSC A24, the fifth and final vessel under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, at Titagarh, West Bengal. The induction completes the five-ship programme designed to strengthen the Navy's underwater operations while advancing India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The Indian Navy has achieved another milestone in its indigenous naval modernisation programme with the launch of DSC A24, the fifth and final Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Titagarh, West Bengal. The vessel completes the Navy's five-ship Diving Support Craft Project, enhancing underwater operational capabilities, diving support, salvage missions and coastal operations.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth and final Diving Support Craft.
The launch completes the five-vessel Diving Support Craft Project.
The vessel features a catamaran hull with a displacement of 300–400 tonnes.
DSC A24 will support diving operations, underwater inspections, salvage missions and coastal operations.
Nearly 70% of the vessel's equipment is indigenous, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
The launch of DSC A24 marks the successful completion of the Indian Navy's five-vessel Diving Support Craft Project, a significant step towards strengthening India's maritime capabilities and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Designed with a catamaran hull, DSC A24 has a displacement of approximately 300–400 tonnes, providing greater stability, superior sea-keeping performance and a larger working deck for complex underwater operations.
The vessel is equipped with advanced diving systems that will support a wide range of missions, including operational diving, underwater inspections, salvage operations, maintenance of naval assets and coastal support tasks.
Editorial Analysis
Why It Matters
Modern diving support vessels are essential for maintaining naval infrastructure, conducting underwater repairs, supporting rescue missions and ensuring operational readiness. The completion of the Diving Support Craft Project strengthens the Indian Navy's underwater capabilities while demonstrating India's growing expertise in indigenous defence manufacturing.
According to the Indian Navy, the induction of all five Diving Support Crafts will significantly enhance its ability to conduct underwater engineering operations, support divers during complex missions and improve overall operational readiness.
Notably, the project incorporates nearly 70% indigenous equipment, reflecting India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities. The programme aligns with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on imported defence platforms and promoting domestic shipbuilding.
The successful completion of the project also highlights the increasing role of Indian shipyards in building specialised naval vessels for the country's maritime security requirements.
What's Next?
Following its launch, DSC A24 will undergo outfitting, equipment integration, harbour and sea trials before being formally commissioned into the Indian Navy. Once inducted, the vessel will join the fleet in supporting underwater operations across India's maritime zones.
