The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned the naval diving support craft (DSC) A20 at its Kochi naval base, marking the 11th ship inducted into service this year. The ceremonial event was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, highlighting the Navy’s ongoing expansion and modernization.

The commissioning ceremony began with the reading of the commissioning warrant by Lt Cdr Hemant Singh Chauhan, the ship’s commanding officer, followed by the hoisting of the naval ensign, the national anthem, and a ceremonial salute by the ship’s crew. The commissioning pennant was raised, and the official plaque was unveiled by Vice Admiral Saxena, formalizing DSC A20’s induction into active naval service.

Vice Admiral Saxena described DSC A20 as a “vital enabler” of the Navy’s underwater capabilities and lauded it as a “fine example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” emphasizing its indigenous design, construction, and system integration. He highlighted its strategic importance for boosting maritime preparedness and operational versatility.

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Designed as a modern catamaran-hull vessel, DSC A20 is equipped with advanced diving systems, underwater video monitoring, and state-of-the-art tracking facilities. The craft features a two-man Recompression Chamber (RCC) to support safe, extended diving operations, enhancing the Navy’s underwater operational capabilities.

The vessel’s endurance, maneuverability, and contemporary diving infrastructure will allow the Indian Navy to provide expert diving assistance, underwater maintenance, and salvage support. It is expected to serve as a crucial force multiplier, both for national security and support to friendly foreign nations.

Naval officials noted that the induction of DSC A20 underscores India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime security. With eleven ships commissioned this year alone, the Navy continues to strengthen its strategic footprint, ensuring readiness across underwater and surface domains.

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