The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on August 31, strengthening the service’s deep-sea diving and underwater support capabilities.
Indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun is a specialised platform developed to support a wide range of diving and underwater operations.
The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 30, 2026, following the completion of outfitting and extensive trials.
Designed for underwater operations:
Nipun is equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities that allow it to provide sustained support to divers operating in challenging maritime conditions.
The vessel will also enhance the Navy’s ability to support submarine rescue operations, adding to its specialised underwater response capabilities.
The ship features modern navigation and platform-management systems, along with precise station-keeping capabilities. It also incorporates dedicated facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support.
These systems enable Nipun to operate as an integrated platform for complex underwater missions and provide sustained assistance during specialised maritime operations.
Boost to indigenous shipbuilding:
The commissioning of Nipun marks another step in India’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
The Navy said the induction of the indigenously built vessel reflects the growing capability of India’s shipbuilding industry to design and deliver technologically advanced, specialised platforms tailored to operational requirements.
With its induction, Nipun is expected to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct diving, underwater intervention and other specialised missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
