The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the launch of the navy’s two new indigenously designed and built diving support vessels (DSV).
Designated as Nistar and Nipun, the new DSVs are being constructed by India’s Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vishakhapatnam, India.
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The vessels’ launch was marked by a ceremony held on 22 September.
During the ceremony, Navy Wellness and Welfare Association (NWWA) president Kala Hari Kumar launched the DSVs and performed the traditional honour to name the ships.
The event was attended by various officials and dignitaries, including Navy Chief of Naval Staff admiral R Hari Kumar.
Hari Kumar was quoted by Times Now India as saying: “It’s a matter of great pride and privilege to be here on this historic occasion of the launch of the two sophisticated and key platforms of Indian Navy.
“Once commissioned, these indigenous DSVs will serve as INS Nipun and INS Nistar.”
The two diving support ships will be 118.4m-long, 22.8m-wide and will have a displacement of 9,350t.
The Indian Navy will deploy the two vessels to carry out deep sea diving operations along with search and rescue missions, sustained patrolling and helicopter operations at the sea.
The Indian MoD claimed that the ships are being built by using around 80% of indigenous materials, providing major boost to the nation’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ efforts.
Work associated with the DSVs’ construction has also generated several employment opportunities, as well as contributed to indigenisation to boost the Indian economy.
