Launch of DSC A24 (Yard 329) - Fifth Ship of Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project

Why in news

The fifth and final Diving Support Craft (DSC) ship, DSC A24, was launched, signifying the completion of the DSC Project undertaken by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited for the Indian Navy.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Science & Technology, Economy, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. DSC A24 is the fifth and final ship of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project.
2. The ship was launched on 01 Aug 2026 at Titagarh, Kolkata.
3. The construction is being undertaken by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL).
4. The DSC ships feature a catamaran-hull form with an approximate displacement of 300 to 400 tons.
5. These ships are designed for superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved sea-keeping.
6. They are designed and built according to the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
7. 70 percent of the main and auxiliary equipment is sourced from indigenous manufacturers.
8. The DSC ships will augment the Indian Navy's capabilities in Diving Support, Underwater Inspection, Salvage Assistance, and Coastal Operational Deployment.

Prelims pointers

• The DSC Project involves the construction of five Diving Support Craft.
• DSC A24 is the fifth ship of this project.
• The ships are built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL).
• Key features include a catamaran-hull form and a displacement of 300-400 tons.
• Indigenous content in equipment is 70%.
• These crafts will support Indian Navy's diving, salvage, and coastal operations.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives like 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' in bolstering the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, using the Diving Support Craft (DSC) project as a case study.

Static linkage

The launch of DSC A24 is linked to India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, and the 'Make in India' campaign, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and boost domestic production in the defence sector. It also relates to the operational preparedness and technological advancement of the Indian Navy.

Significance

The successful launch and upcoming induction of these Diving Support Crafts enhance the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, particularly in underwater operations, salvage, and coastal security. The high indigenous content (70%) in their construction underscores India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with national strategic objectives and promoting the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. The catamaran hull design offers improved performance characteristics for naval operations.