Why in news?
The Indian Navy plans to commission DSC A20, the first indigenously designed Diving Support Craft, on December 16, 2025, at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command. This vessel marks a key advancement in India's maritime self-reliance.​
Key points
- Features a catamaran hull for superior stability, larger deck area, and enhanced seakeeping.​
- Displacement around 380-390 tons; length approximately 30-32.9 meters, breadth 13 meters.​
- Powered by two 1,342 kW engines, achieving a cruise speed of 11 knots with 72-hour endurance at economical speed (25% fuel reserve).​
- Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, as the first of five vessels under Make in India.​
- Designed per Indian Naval Rules and Indian Register of Shipping standards; tested at NSTL, Visakhapatnam.​
- Equipped with advanced diving systems for inspections, salvage, maintenance, search-and-rescue, and diver training; supports 18 personnel.​
Strategic Importance
- Its induction boosts Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives through collaboration between the Navy, DRDO's NSTL, and private industry, reducing import reliance.
- This enhances maritime domain awareness, undersea warfare readiness, and operations along India's coastline and in the Indian Ocean Region.​
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