The ship is a testament to the GoI's resolute focus on nation building through self-reliance in defence production and unwavering focus on Aatmanirbharta. A total of 120 MSMEs have participated in the construction of this ambitious, unique and state-of-the-art vessel, achieving more than 80 per cent indigenous content, an official statement said
Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ is designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. Pic/X
The Indian Navy is all set to commission its first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) named ‘Nistar’ on July 18, 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, an official statement said on Sunday.
It said that the ceremony will be attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance India) in defence production.
"The ship is a testament to the GoI's resolute focus on nation building through self-reliance in defence production and unwavering focus on Aatmanirbharta. A total of 120 MSMEs have participated in the construction of this ambitious, unique and state-of-the-art vessel, achieving more than 80 per cent indigenous content. The project is a step towards realising the Indian Navy's vision of designing and constructing complex indigenous platforms," an official statement said.
#Nistar - 'Guardian of the Deep'
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 10, 2025
Unveiling the crest of Nistar, the first ship of two Diving Support Vessels.
Set to join the #EasternSword #SunriseFleet of #IndianNavy soon.#Nistar will usher in state-of-the-art capabilities in deep sea diving and submarine rescue.
The… pic.twitter.com/Wuw2unXGS0
The statement said that the vessel is designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.
It will be a part of the Eastern Naval Command. It will support deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations. Over 120 MSMEs contributed to its construction, achieving over 80 per cent indigenous content.
The ship continues the legacy of the original Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971, which served for two decades, the statement said.
It said that with a length of about 120 metres and a displacement of over 10,000 tons, the ship includes advanced features like a Dynamic Positioning System, Air and Saturation Diving Systems, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Side Scan SONAR. These systems allow the ship to perform highly specialised underwater tasks.
Nistar also serves as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), significantly boosting India’s submarine rescue capabilities.
The vessel is well-equipped with medical facilities, including an operation theatre, ICU, eight-bed hospital, and hyperbaric chambers, ensuring crew safety during critical missions, the statement further said.
It said that with an endurance of over 60 days at sea, a 15-tonne subsea crane, and the ability to support helicopter operations, Nistar is one of the most versatile platforms in the Indian Navy.
The induction of Nistar is expected to enhance India’s preparedness in the underwater domain and strengthen its strategic maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
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