Sea Shield Activated: INS Nistar Boosts India’s Deep-Ocean Defence Game

Image Source: Raksha Anirveda

In a landmark stride toward maritime selfreliance, the Indian Navy has officially taken delivery of INS Nistar, the nation’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV). Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited and delivered on July 8, 2025, at Visakhapatnam, Nistar embodies India’s growing prowess in underwater operations and defence manufacturing.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Measures 118 meters in length with a displacement of nearly 10,000 tons
Equipped for Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to 300 meters
Side Diving Stage enables operations at depths of up to 75 meters
Hosts Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for salvage and monitoring up to 1000 meters
Serves as the Mother Ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) operations
Includes a hyperbaric medical facility, ICU, operation theatre, and 8bed hospital
Dynamic Positioning System ensures precision during critical underwater tasks
Endurance of over 60 days at sea and helicopter staging capability
Fitted with a 15tonne subsea crane for seabed recovery missions

Strategic Significance:

Over 75% indigenous content, involving 120 MSMEs
Reinforces India’s submarine rescue preparedness and underwater operational envelope
Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives
Enhances India’s strategic posture in the IndoPacific region
Revives the legacy of exNistar, commissioned in 1971

Upcoming Milestone:

INS Nistar is set to be commissioned on July 18, 2025, joining the Eastern Naval Command and marking a new era in India’s maritime readiness.

Sources: Press Information Bureau, Business Standard, Indian Defence News, SSBCrack, DefenceGuru, Tehelka, Orissa Diary, MSN India