Indian Navy launches 5th Diving Support Craft 'DSC A24' in Kolkata
Kolkata, August 2
The fifth vessel of the Diving Support Craft project, DSC A24, was successfully launched on Saturday in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone for the Indian Navy and the 'Make in India' initiative.
In an X post, the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy said that the vessel was launched at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in the presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy. The launch ceremony was conducted with full naval traditions.
Designed and constructed by TRSL in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Naval rules, the DSC A24 features a catamaran-hull form and displaces between 300 to 400 tons.
"#AatmanirbharBharat. Yet another proud milestone for the #IndianNavy! Fifth ship of Diving Support Craft Project, DSC A24, was launched on #01Aug 26 at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata, by Mrs Kamal Singh in the presence of VAdm Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel. The DSC are being constructed by TRSL under the IRS and Naval rules, with a Catamaran-Hull form and displacement in the range of 300 to 400 Tons. DSC A24 is equipped with state-of-the-art diving systems and is tailor-made for conducting operational dives. A testament to engineering excellence and indigenous capability, these ships are proud flag bearers of the @makeinindia initiative, strengthening the Indian Navy's offshore diving capabilities," the Indian Navy Spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, ushered in a new chapter as Vice Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, took over as the 13th Commandant of the Academy on August 1.
He succeeded Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, whose tenure was marked by visionary leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to quality training.
In an X post, the Indian Naval Academy announced, "Vice Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, assumed charge as the 13th Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, taking on the baton from Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM. An alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa, and a Navigation & Direction specialist, he is a graduate of the #DSSC, Wellington, and the #NDC, Thailand. Over three decades of distinguished service, he has commanded INS Ghorpad and INS Satpura, served as an instructor at the #NDA, Khadakwasla, the Navigation & Direction School, Kochi, and #DSSC, Wellington, besides holding key appointments at Naval Headquarters, including Commodore Naval Operations and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans). Prior to assuming this appointment, he was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet."
Prior to taking over as Commandant, INA, the Flag Officer was Commanding the prestigious Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice to see our Navy modernising with local companies. But I hope we don't just focus on hardware—need regular maintenance and crew training too. Still, every step counts. 👍
Aatmanirbhar Bharat hai na! 🇮🇳 The catamaran design is smart for these diving support roles. Titagarh has come a long way from just rolling stock. Navy's pushing the right direction.
Good effort, but I wish these news items had more technical details—like how many divers it can support or the operational depth range. Still, any addition to our naval fleet is welcome. Jai Hind.
Impressive progress on the Make in India front. The catamaran hull helps with stability during dive ops. I also noticed the new Commandant at INA has a solid background—Eastern Fleet experience is a big plus.
Mumbai to Kolkata, the Navy's really spreading the defence manufacturing ecosystem. This is how we build long-term capability—not just buy from abroad. Kudos to all the workers at TRSL!
I just hope the Navy's diving support vessels are also used for civilian disaster relief—like underwater search during floods or ship accidents. They can be a
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