Hindustan Shipyard Limited has delivered the second Nistar-class diving support vessel, INS Nipun (A17), to the Indian Navy under a contract signed in 2018. The vessel follows its keel laying in 2020 and launch in 2022, expanding India’s specialized capabilities for submarine rescue, underwater operations, and deep-sea support. INS Nipun is designed to conduct diving operations while also supporting unmanned systems used for surveillance, mapping, and salvage missions. A key role will be the transportation and deployment of Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels, which can assist in rescuing submarine personnel during underwater emergencies. The 118-meter vessel incorporates twin diesel engines, a dynamic positioning system, diver monitoring facilities, mapping and debris-localization sonar, specialized communications equipment, and navigation radars. It also features electronic warfare equipment, a Lynx-U2 fire-control system, and 30mm AK-630 rotary cannons. The Nistar-class can reach 18 knots and remain operational for up to 60 days. Its diving systems support diver tracking to depths of 300 meters and side-diving operations to 75 meters.
