Indian Navy commissions locally built diving support ship, strengthening coastal and underwater capabilities
In a significant milestone for India’s naval modernization and indigenous defense production, the Indian Navy has formally commissioned the DSC A20, a locally designed and built diving support ship, into its fleet. The commissioning ceremony took place on December 16, marking the induction of the first vessel of the newly developed Diving Support Craft (DSC) platform. This move is expected to enhance India’s diving and underwater operational capabilities, particularly in its strategic coastal waters along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
According to an official statement by the Indian Defense Ministry, the DSC A20 represents the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft currently being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), based in Kolkata. These vessels are purpose-built for a wide spectrum of underwater missions and coastal operations. “DSC A20 is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency,” the ministry highlighted. The vessel’s capabilities are tailored to support a range of naval tasks, including diving operations, underwater repair and maintenance, search and rescue missions, and support for special forces operations.
The commissioning of DSC A20 aligns closely with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative aims to promote indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance in strategic sectors, including defense. By bringing such specialized vessels into........





















Toi Staff
Sabine Sterk
Penny S. Tee
Gideon Levy
Waka Ikeda
Grant Arthur Gochin