New Delhi: DSC A23 Diving Support Craft marks another big step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The fourth ship under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) project was launched on April 19, 2026, in Kolkata. Built indigenously, this vessel will boost the Indian Navy’s underwater operations, including diving support, inspection, and salvage missions.
The project highlights India’s strong push toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat and showcases growing domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
Details of DSC A23 Diving Support Craft
The DSC A23 (Yard 328) was launched at Kolkata in the presence of senior Indian Navy officials and industry representatives.
Read also: Explained: Why Indian Navy Is Investing in Expendable Aerial Targets That Will Be Destroyed Mid-Air
The event was attended by Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel. It reflects close collaboration between the Indian Navy and Indian shipbuilders.
This vessel is the fourth of five Diving Support Crafts being built under a project signed in 2021 between the Ministry of Defence and Titagarh Rail Systems Limited.
Key Features of DSC A23 Diving Support Craft
The DSC A23 comes with modern design and advanced capabilities:
- Around 30 meters long with a catamaran hull design
- Approximate displacement of 380 tons
- Better stability and sea-keeping ability
- Enhanced deck area for operations
- Designed for coastal and harbour diving missions
These features make the vessel ideal for underwater operations and technical missions.
Role of DSC A23 Diving Support Craft in Indian Navy Operations
Diving Support Crafts are specialised vessels used for:
- Underwater inspection and repair
- Salvage operations
- Harbour clearance
- Coastal deployment missions
They support critical naval operations and improve response capabilities during emergencies.
Indigenous Design and Testing
The DSC A23 has been designed as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) rules.
It also underwent:
- Advanced model testing
- Hydrodynamic analysis at NSTL, Visakhapatnam
This ensures high safety, performance, and reliability standards.
Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
A major highlight of the project is that:
- Around 70% of equipment is sourced from Indian manufacturers
- The ships represent strong progress in Make in India defence manufacturing
This reduces dependency on imports and strengthens India’s defence ecosystem.
Strategic Importance
With the induction of DSC ships like A23:
- Indian Navy’s diving and underwater capabilities will improve
- Operational readiness in coastal regions will increase
- India’s maritime strength and self-reliance will grow
The project is a key milestone in strengthening India’s naval infrastructure.
Read also: Indian Navy 2035 Vision: Inside the 200 Warships Induction Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Plan
