INS Nistar Commissioned In Visakhapatnam, Boosts India’s Deep-Sea Rescue Capabilities

In a landmark moment for India’s maritime defence, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built diving support vessel, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on July 18. Developed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, the vessel marks a major stride in self-reliant naval engineering under the Make in India initiative.

Key Features And Capabilities

- INS Nistar spans 120 metres and displaces over 10,000 tonnes  
- Equipped for saturation diving up to 300 metres and side diving up to 75 metres  
- Functions as the mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles, capable of rescuing submariners from depths of 1,000 metres  
- Includes advanced systems like dynamic positioning, remotely operated vehicles, side scan sonar, and a 15-tonne subsea crane  

Medical And Operational Infrastructure

- Onboard facilities include an operating theatre, ICU, eight-bed hospital, and hyperbaric medical systems  
- Can remain at sea for over 60 days and accommodate more than 200 personnel  
- Features helicopter operations deck and AK-630 close-in weapon systems for defence  

Legacy And Strategic Impact

- The vessel revives the legacy of the original INS Nistar, commissioned in 1971 and decommissioned in 1989  
- With over 80 percent indigenous content and contributions from 120 MSMEs, the ship reflects India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities  
- Enhances India’s role in regional submarine rescue operations and underwater engineering missions  

Sources: CNBC TV18, Mathrubhumi, WION, The Hindu, Firstpost, The Print, Economic Times