India has made a significant leap in its indigenous naval capabilities with the delivery of Nistar, the country’s first diving support vessel capable of conducting deep-sea diving and rescue operations. Delivered to the Indian Navy on July 8, Nistar marks a milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence and maritime operations.
The vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, is designed to meet critical needs in deep-sea diving, salvage, and submarine rescue missions.
Here are some key insights into the role and capabilities of Nistar.
What makes Nistar unique in India’s naval fleet?
Nistar stands out as India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV). The ship is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art technologies that enable it to conduct deep-sea diving operations and perform rescue missions.
With nearly 75% indigenous content, Nistar is a key achievement in line with the Indian government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. The ship’s primary function will be as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), capable of evacuating personnel from distressed submarines. This advanced capability is currently available only to a select number of navies around the world.
How does Nistar contribute to deep-sea diving and rescue operations?
The ship’s design allows it to perform both deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations. Equipped with diving systems that can support operations up to a depth of 300 meters, Nistar provides an essential platform for critical underwater missions.
The vessel also features a side diving stage for operations up to 75 meters. In addition, Nistar carries remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that can conduct underwater monitoring, inspection, and salvage tasks at depths of up to 1,000 meters. These advanced capabilities make Nistar an indispensable asset for the Indian Navy in deep-sea and submarine rescue operations.
What are the implications of Nistar’s delivery for India’s naval capabilities?
The delivery of Nistar strengthens India’s maritime defence and rescue capabilities, positioning the Indian Navy as a leader in deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations within the region. The ship’s advanced systems and near-complete indigenisation reflect India’s growing expertise in the naval defence sector.
As part of the Indian Navy’s broader strategy to enhance self-reliance, Nistar not only serves as a critical tool for underwater operations but also highlights India’s capacity to design and build highly specialised defence vessels.
By integrating Nistar into its fleet, the Indian Navy will be better equipped to respond to emergencies involving submarines.