DSV Nipun has officially joined the Indian Navy, marking another important achievement in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme. On 30 July 2026, the Indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) Nipun was delivered to the Indian Navy after being built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. The vessel is the second Diving Support Vessel in its class after INS Nistar and is designed to carry out deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater salvage missions.

The addition of DSV Nipun enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct specialised underwater operations while supporting India’s long-term goal of strengthening domestic defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

What Is DSV Nipun?

A Diving Support Vessel (DSV) is a specially designed naval ship that assists in complex underwater missions.

Unlike regular warships, these vessels are equipped with advanced systems that support divers and underwater rescue teams during difficult operations beneath the sea.

DSV Nipun is built to perform missions such as:

Deep-sea diving
Underwater rescue
Salvage operations
Inspection of underwater structures
Support for submarine missions
Recovery of equipment from the seabed

Such ships play an important role in both military operations and emergency response at sea.

Built in India

DSV Nipun has been constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), one of India’s leading shipbuilding companies located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The vessel contains nearly 75% indigenous content, with some reports placing the figure at more than 80%.

This high level of domestic manufacturing reflects India’s growing capability to design and build complex naval platforms using local expertise and technology.

The project also supports the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment.

Advanced Design and Technical Features

DSV Nipun has been equipped with modern systems that enable safe and efficient underwater operations.

Some of its important features include:

Length of 118 metres
Displacement of over 8,560 tonnes
Deep-sea saturation diving system
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
Dynamic positioning system
Advanced mission support facilities

The dynamic positioning system allows the ship to maintain its position accurately even in rough sea conditions without dropping anchors, making underwater operations safer and more precise.

Supports Deep-Sea Diving Operations

One of the primary roles of DSV Nipun is to support deep-sea diving missions.

The ship carries specialised diving equipment that allows trained divers to work safely at significant underwater depths.

Its saturation diving system enables divers to spend extended periods underwater while reducing the health risks associated with deep diving.

These capabilities are useful for:

Repairing underwater structures
Conducting inspections
Recovering sunken equipment
Scientific and technical missions
Emergency underwater operations

Important Role in Submarine Rescue

DSV Nipun will also serve as a mother ship for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV).

A DSRV is a specialised rescue vehicle used to save sailors trapped inside submarines during emergencies.

The support vessel provides:

Launch and recovery facilities
Technical support
Medical assistance
Operational coordination

Having dedicated submarine rescue capabilities is an important part of modern naval safety and emergency preparedness.

Underwater Salvage Missions

Apart from rescue operations, DSV Nipun is designed to carry out underwater salvage work.

Salvage operations involve locating and recovering:

Sunken ships
Military equipment
Aircraft wreckage
Naval machinery
Other valuable underwater assets

Modern technologies such as remotely operated vehicles help crews perform these missions in deep waters where human diving alone may not be practical.

These capabilities improve the Navy’s ability to respond to accidents and protect valuable maritime assets.

Strengthening Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

The delivery of DSV Nipun highlights the steady progress of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector.

Building advanced naval vessels within the country helps strengthen technical expertise while creating opportunities for Indian industries involved in shipbuilding, engineering, electronics, and defence equipment production.

Projects like DSV Nipun also contribute to developing skilled manpower and expanding India’s capability to build sophisticated military platforms domestically.

Strategic Importance for the Indian Navy

Modern navies require specialised support vessels in addition to warships and submarines.

Ships like DSV Nipun improve operational readiness by supporting underwater missions that cannot be performed by conventional naval vessels.

As maritime activities continue to increase across the Indian Ocean region, specialised diving support ships provide valuable assistance for rescue operations, maintenance work, underwater inspections, and emergency response.

The delivery of DSV Nipun represents another significant step in strengthening the Indian Navy’s underwater operational capabilities. With advanced diving systems, submarine rescue support, modern positioning technology, and a high level of indigenous manufacturing, the vessel adds an important capability to India’s growing naval fleet while showcasing the country’s progress in defence shipbuilding and maritime technology.