Indian Navy Bolsters Underwater Capabilities with Indigenous Diving Support Craft (DSC A24)

The Indian Navy has further strengthened its maritime operational readiness with the launch of the Diving Support Craft (DSC A24) in Kolkata. As the fifth and final vessel in the Diving Support Craft project, this launch represents a critical step in the Navy's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet through indigenous manufacturing.

Designed and built indigenously, the DSC A24 is a testament to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the defence sector. Notably, 70% of the equipment integrated into the vessel has been sourced from domestic manufacturers, highlighting the growing maturity of India’s defence industrial ecosystem. These crafts are specifically engineered to perform a range of specialized tasks, including underwater inspection, maintenance of underwater assets, and salvage operations. Furthermore, their deployment will significantly bolster the Indian Navy’s coastal operational capabilities, ensuring a more robust presence in India’s vast maritime domain.

The induction of these vessels is vital for the Navy’s mandate to secure India’s maritime interests. By providing dedicated support for diving operations, the DSCs enable the Navy to conduct complex underwater missions with greater efficiency and autonomy. This project not only enhances the operational reach of the Indian Navy but also reduces dependency on foreign technology, thereby strengthening India's strategic autonomy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

For UPSC aspirants, this development serves as a prime example of the indigenization of defence technology. It underscores the government's policy shift toward promoting domestic shipyards and MSMEs in the defence supply chain, which is a recurring theme in GS Paper III. Understanding the role of such specialized vessels is essential for analyzing India's maritime security strategy and its broader goal of becoming a self-reliant defence power.