Kolkata, India: The Indian Navy on Saturday launched DSC A24, the fifth vessel under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) project, at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata, marking another milestone under the Make in India initiative.
According to a post by the Indian Navy on X, the vessel was launched in the presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy. The ceremony was conducted with full naval traditions.
#AatmanirbharBharat
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 2, 2026
Yet another proud milestone for the #IndianNavy!
Fifth ship of Diving Support Craft Project, DSC A24, was launched on #01Aug 26 at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata, by Mrs Kamal Singh in presence of VAdm Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel.
The DSC… pic.twitter.com/PulJXswhfI
Designed and built by TRSL in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Indian Navy regulations, DSC A24 features a catamaran-hull design and has a displacement of 300 to 400 tonnes.
The Indian Navy said the vessel is equipped with advanced diving systems and has been specifically designed to conduct operational diving missions.
Calling the project a testament to indigenous engineering and manufacturing capability, the Navy said the Diving Support Craft will strengthen its offshore diving operations while supporting the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Separately, the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala, Kerala, welcomed Vice Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, as its 13th Commandant on 1 August.
He succeeded Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, whose tenure, according to the Indian Naval Academy, was marked by a strong focus on professional excellence and quality training.
In a post on X, the academy said Vice Admiral Ananda is an alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa, and a Navigation and Direction specialist. He is also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, and the National Defence College (NDC), Thailand.
During more than three decades of service, he has commanded INS Ghorpad and INS Satpura, served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, the Navigation and Direction School in Kochi, and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
He has also held several key appointments at Naval Headquarters, including Commodore Naval Operations and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans).
Before taking charge as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Ananda served as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.
