Navy commissions INS Nipun for advanced operations, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
• The vessel significantly enhances the Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, and submarine rescue operations.
• INS Nipun was indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam.
• Its induction marks a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance in defence shipbuilding under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
• Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan presided over the commissioning ceremony.

INS Nipun.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• INS Nipun is now positioned on India's western seaboard, complementing INS Nistar, the first vessel of the class, which was commissioned in July 2025 and is based in Visakhapatnam on the eastern seaboard.
• These Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) serve as 'mother ships' for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), which the Indian Navy acquired in 2018-2019, providing dedicated submarine rescue cover on both coasts.
• INS Nipun boasts over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India's growing capabilities in advanced naval shipbuilding.
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a public sector shipyard, plays a vital role in constructing naval and commercial vessels and undertaking submarine refits for the Indian Navy.
• The induction of such specialized platforms strengthens India's maritime security posture and enhances its capacity to act as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff on May 31, 2026, emphasizing self-reliance and indigenisation as key focus areas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Diving Support Vessel (DSV): A specialized naval ship designed to support deep-sea diving operations, underwater maintenance, and submarine rescue missions.
• Submarine Rescue: A complex operation involving specialized vehicles like Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) to locate, access, and safely evacuate personnel from disabled submarines.
• Indigenisation in Defence: A strategic national policy focused on developing and manufacturing defence equipment and technologies domestically to reduce reliance on foreign imports and foster self-sufficiency.