Titagarh Naval Systems Ltd (TNSL), a subsidiary of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, has launched the fourth Diving Support Craft (DSC), A23 (Yard 328), for the Indian Navy. The vessel was side-launched into the Hooghly River, Kolkata and is part of a five-ship series being built under the Make in India initiative. This milestone reflects steady progress in indigenous naval shipbuilding and strengthening of India’s maritime defence capabilities.
DSC A23 (Yard 328): Key Specifications
- Fourth vessel under the five Diving Support Craft (DSC) project
- Length: ~30 metres
- Displacement: ~380 tonnes
- Hull Type: Catamaran design (enhanced stability and deck space)
- Offers superior sea-keeping characteristics for coastal and harbour operations
- Designed as per standards of Indian Register of Shipping
- Underwent model testing and hydrodynamic analysis at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory
Role of Diving Support Craft (DSC)
- Designed to assist Command Clearance Diving Teams
- Used for:
- Underwater inspection
- Repair and maintenance
- Salvage operations
- Deployed in harbour and near-shore environments
- Also functions as a training platform for naval divers
Indigenous & Strategic Significance
- Around 70% equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers
- Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives
- Enhances Navy’s capability in:
- Diving support operations
- Coastal deployment
- Underwater engineering tasks
- Strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem
Project Background
- Contract signed on February 12, 2021 between Ministry of Defence and TRSL
- First vessel DSC A20 commissioned in December 2025 at Kochi
- A23 represents continued progress in timely delivery of specialised naval vessels
About Titagarh Naval Systems Ltd (TNSL)
- Dedicated shipbuilding arm of Titagarh Rail Systems
- Developing a shipyard at Falta, West Bengal (~50 acres)
- Capacity to build 12–16 vessels annually
- Can handle ships up to 180 metres length
- Current order book exceeds ₹500 crore
- Exploring strategic partnerships to expand maritime capabilities
Significance
- Demonstrates India’s push towards indigenisation in defence shipbuilding
- Improves operational readiness of the Indian Navy in underwater and coastal missions
- Reflects structural shift where parent company focuses on rail systems while TNSL drives maritime growth
- Reinforces India’s position in specialised naval vessel production