The Indian Navy has officially inducted a new diving support ship, the DSC A20, into its fleet, significantly bolstering its underwater operational capabilities. Commissioned on December 15, 2025, this vessel is the first of five ships in the indigenously designed Diving Support Craft (DSC) series, constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in Kolkata. The DSC A20 will be deployed for various underwater missions primarily in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The ship features advanced diving systems that adhere to the highest safety and operational standards, according to a statement from the Indian Defense Ministry. It is tailored for a wide range of diving and underwater operations, enhancing the Indian Navy’s mission readiness. The inclusion of the DSC A20 marks a critical step in advancing India’s naval capabilities and emphasizes the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production.
Collaboration and Future Goals
The commissioning of the DSC A20 aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and innovation. The Defense Ministry highlighted that the vessel exemplifies the “seamless collaboration between the Indian Navy, the indigenous shipbuilding industry, and national research organizations.” This partnership has led to the development of sophisticated vessels that meet the demands of modern naval operations.
India has set ambitious goals for its naval expansion, targeting a fleet of over 200 warships and submarines by 2035. There are projections that this number could reach 230 by 2037. The government is also encouraging foreign defense firms to collaborate with local manufacturers, further supporting the ‘Make in India’ vision.
The DSC A20 is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. It joins another recently commissioned vessel, the INS Mahe, which is designed for anti-submarine coastal patrols. As of now, 54 vessels are under construction in Indian shipyards, with all expected to be operational by 2030.
In addition to enhancing its naval fleet, India has been strengthening international defense collaborations. Recently, India and Brazil signed an agreement to collaborate on the maintenance of Scorpene submarines and other vessels, reflecting a growing trend of international partnerships in defense.
With the commissioning of the DSC A20, the Indian Navy takes a significant step forward in reinforcing its capabilities, ensuring that it remains prepared for a range of maritime challenges in the future.
