Indian Navy Set To Commission Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel 'Nipun'

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
• The commissioning will take place on 31 August 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• Nipun has been indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
• The vessel will significantly enhance the Navy’s deep-sea diving, underwater support, and submarine rescue capabilities.

Detailed Insights:

• Nipun is a purpose-built platform equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities.
• It is designed to provide sustained support to divers operating in demanding conditions at sea.
• The vessel incorporates advanced systems for navigation, platform management, precise station keeping, and medical support.
• Its induction marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
• The commissioning will further strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to undertake specialised underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
• This also reflects the growing capability of the country’s shipbuilding ecosystem to deliver technologically advanced vessels.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Diving Support Vessel (DSV): A specialized naval ship designed to support underwater diving operations and provide deep-sea intervention capabilities.
• Self-reliance in defence shipbuilding: A national policy aimed at indigenously designing and manufacturing defence equipment and naval vessels.
• Submarine rescue operations: Complex missions to locate, access, and rescue personnel from disabled or distressed submarines.