The Indian Navy has strengthened its underwater operational capabilities with the delivery of INS Nipun (A17), the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, from Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). Built under a 2018 contract, the vessel progressed from keel laying in 2020 to launch in 2022 before entering service as a dedicated platform for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater support missions. INS Nipun will play a critical role in supporting India’s submarine fleet by conducting diving operations, deploying unmanned underwater vehicles for surveillance and salvage, and providing specialized assistance during underwater emergencies. A key mission of the vessel is the transportation and deployment of Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), which are essential for rescuing personnel from distressed submarines. The 118-meter-long vessel, with a 23-meter beam, features twin diesel propulsion, a dynamic positioning system, diver support and monitoring facilities, advanced sonar for seabed mapping and object detection, secure communications, and integrated navigation systems. Its defensive capabilities include an electronic warfare suite, the Lynx-U2 fire control system, and AK-630 30mm rotary cannons. Capable of reaching 18 knots, INS Nipun offers an endurance of 60 days, supports diver operations to depths of 300 meters, side diving up to 75 meters, and remotely operated underwater vehicle missions at depths of 1,000 meters, making it one of the Indian Navy’s most capable underwater support platforms.
