The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on August 31, strengthening its deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue capabilities.
Indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun marks another step towards enhancing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding and developing specialised platforms for the Indian Navy.
The vessel was delivered to the Navy on July 30, 2026, following an extensive programme of outfitting and trials. It has been specifically designed to support a wide range of diving and underwater operations, including sustained deployment of divers in challenging maritime conditions.
Nipun is equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities, allowing it to serve as an integrated platform for complex operations beneath the surface. Its capabilities will also augment the Navy’s ability to support submarine rescue operations.
The vessel incorporates modern navigation and platform-management systems, along with precise station-keeping capabilities. It also has specialised facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support.
The commissioning of Nipun will further enhance the Navy’s capacity to undertake specialised diving and underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
The induction of the indigenous vessel also highlights the growing capability of India’s shipbuilding industry to design and manufacture technologically advanced and specialised platforms for the armed forces, further advancing the country’s defence indigenisation efforts.
