Indian Navy Launches 5th Diving Support Craft DSC A24 in Kolkata, Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

India has taken another significant step towards strengthening its indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as the Indian Navy successfully launched the fifth Diving Support Craft (DSC A24) at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata. The launch marks another milestone under the government's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, further enhancing the Navy's offshore diving and underwater operational capabilities.

The vessel was launched on 1 August 2026 in the presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy, following traditional naval customs. Designed and constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, DSC A24 has been built under the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Indian Naval standards, showcasing India's growing capability in designing and manufacturing specialised naval platforms.

Indian Navy DSC A24 Launch Highlights

Particulars	Details
Vessel	DSC A24
Project	Diving Support Craft (DSC)
Launch Date	1 August 2026
Shipyard	Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata
Built Under	Indian Register of Shipping & Naval Rules
Hull Design	Catamaran Hull
Displacement	300 to 400 Tons
Primary Role	Offshore Diving Operations

Fifth Diving Support Craft Strengthens Indigenous Naval Fleet

The launch of DSC A24 represents the fifth vessel under the Indian Navy's Diving Support Craft programme. These specialised vessels are designed to support underwater diving operations, maintenance activities, rescue missions and various offshore naval tasks that require advanced diving infrastructure.

Built entirely by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, the vessel reflects India's increasing self reliance in defence manufacturing. The project demonstrates how domestic shipyards are contributing to the modernisation of the Indian Navy while reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.

Advanced Diving Systems Designed for Naval Operations

DSC A24 has been equipped with state of the art diving systems specifically developed to support operational diving missions. The vessel has been customised to meet the Indian Navy's requirements for underwater maintenance, inspection and rescue operations across different maritime environments.

The craft features a catamaran hull design, which offers improved stability during diving operations compared to conventional single hull vessels. Its displacement of 300 to 400 tons allows it to accommodate specialised diving equipment and operational personnel required for complex underwater missions.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Hull Design	Catamaran
Displacement	300 to 400 Tons
Construction Standards	IRS & Indian Naval Rules
Builder	Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
Key Capability	Advanced Diving Operations
Mission Role	Offshore Support & Underwater Operations

Make in India Continues to Drive Defence Manufacturing

The successful launch of DSC A24 highlights the continued progress of India's Make in India initiative within the defence sector. By manufacturing specialised naval platforms domestically, India is expanding indigenous capabilities while strengthening its shipbuilding industry.

According to the Indian Navy, the Diving Support Craft project represents engineering excellence and reflects the country's growing expertise in building sophisticated naval assets. Indigenous development also enables greater control over technology, maintenance and future upgrades while supporting domestic employment and industrial growth.

Leadership Marks Another Important Naval Milestone

The launch ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy, while the vessel was formally launched by Mrs Kamal Singh.

Separately, the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala also witnessed an important leadership transition as Vice Admiral Alok Ananda assumed charge as the 13th Commandant of the Academy on 1 August 2026, succeeding Vice Admiral Manish Chadha.

Vice Admiral Alok Ananda brings more than three decades of naval experience, having previously commanded INS Ghorpad, INS Satpura, and most recently served as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.

Why This Development Matters

India has been steadily increasing investments in indigenous defence manufacturing to reduce import dependence and strengthen national security. Projects such as the Diving Support Craft programme contribute to building specialised naval capabilities while supporting domestic defence industries.

With increasing focus on maritime security, offshore infrastructure protection and underwater operations, specialised diving support vessels have become an important component of modern naval fleets. The successful launch of DSC A24 demonstrates India's continued progress in expanding these capabilities through indigenous design and construction.

Key Takeaways

Area	Significance
Defence Manufacturing	Boosts Indigenous Shipbuilding
Indian Navy	Enhances Offshore Diving Capability
Make in India	Strengthens Domestic Defence Production
Maritime Security	Supports Underwater Operations
Shipbuilding Industry	Expands Advanced Naval Manufacturing

What Should Investors Watch?

The launch of DSC A24 also highlights the growing role of Indian private shipyards and defence manufacturers in executing strategic naval projects. Investors may closely monitor future defence procurement orders, indigenous naval shipbuilding programmes and government initiatives supporting domestic defence production.

With continued investments in naval modernisation and increasing emphasis on self reliance, companies involved in defence shipbuilding, marine engineering and specialised naval equipment could benefit from rising long term opportunities within India's expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem.

What is DSC A24 launched by the Indian Navy?

DSC A24 is the fifth Diving Support Craft (DSC) built for the Indian Navy. It is designed to support underwater diving operations, maintenance, rescue missions and other specialised offshore activities.

Who built the DSC A24 vessel?

The vessel has been designed and constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata under the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Indian Naval standards.

Why is the launch of DSC A24 important?

The launch strengthens India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives while enhancing the Indian Navy's underwater operational capabilities.

What are the key features of DSC A24?

The vessel features a catamaran hull design, a displacement of 300 to 400 tons, and advanced diving systems that enable complex underwater operations and offshore support missions.

What is the primary role of a Diving Support Craft?

A Diving Support Craft assists in underwater inspections, rescue operations, naval maintenance, salvage activities and specialised diving missions conducted by the Indian Navy.

How does DSC A24 support the Make in India initiative?

DSC A24 has been built entirely in India by an Indian shipyard, showcasing the country's growing capability to manufacture advanced naval platforms domestically and reducing reliance on imported defence equipment.

Which company manufactured DSC A24?

Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) manufactured DSC A24 as part of the Indian Navy's Diving Support Craft programme.

How many Diving Support Crafts are planned under this project?

DSC A24 is the fifth vessel under the Diving Support Craft project, representing another milestone in the Indian Navy's indigenous fleet modernisation programme.

What type of hull design does DSC A24 use?

The vessel uses a catamaran hull, which provides greater stability during diving and underwater support operations.

Why is indigenous naval shipbuilding important for India?

Indigenous shipbuilding improves national defence self reliance, supports domestic manufacturing, creates skilled employment, strengthens strategic capabilities and reduces dependence on foreign defence imports.