INS Nipun: HSL Delivers Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel to Indian Navy
Defence & Security · Friday, 31 July 2026
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) delivered 'Nipun', the second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), to the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam. Featuring over 75-80% indigenous content, Nipun is equipped for deep-sea saturation diving, submarine rescue, and underwater salvage.
Quick highlights
- Second vessel of the Nistar-class DSVs, constructed by HSL Visakhapatnam.
- Displaces over 8,560 tonnes with an indigenous content exceeding 75%-80%.
- Primary host ship for launching Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs).
- Features an operational endurance of 60 days without replenishment.
Context
Hindustan Shipyard Limited formally handed over DSV Nipun to strengthen naval deep-sea salvage and submarine rescue readiness.
Key Facts
Constructed using steel produced entirely by SAIL. Equipped with a moonpool, side diving stage, subsea Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and a flight deck for heavy helicopters.
Significance
Eliminates reliance on foreign nations for submarine emergency rescues and deep-sea saturation diving operations.
Challenges / Way Forward
Maintaining high operational availability of complex subsea rescue technology and scaling domestic production of specialized marine sensors.
Exam Angle
Relevant for GS Paper 3 (Security Challenges, Defence Indigenisation, Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
Remember this
- Ship Class: Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
- Sister Ship: INS Nistar.
- Manufacturer: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
- Displacement: ~8,560 tonnes; Endurance: 60 days.
- Key Role: Mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV).
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