National 26 August 2026
Navy to Commission Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nipun’ on August 31
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy is set to commission 'Nipun', the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on August 31, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
Capabilities & Role: Nipun is a specialized platform purpose-built to bolster the Navy's capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, search-and-rescue, and submarine rescue operations.
Indigenous Construction: Designed and constructed indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, the ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 30, 2026, following sea trials.
Advanced Features: It incorporates state-of-the-art navigation systems, platform management, precise station-keeping capabilities, as well as specialised diving, underwater intervention, and hyperbaric/medical support facilities.
Nistar-Class Series: Nipun is the second vessel of the two-ship DSV project. The first vessel, INS Nistar, was commissioned earlier into the fleet.
Defence Indigenisation: The vessel boasts around 80% indigenous content, underscoring the strength of India's domestic shipbuilding industry under Make in India initiatives.
Static GK Facts:
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL): Established: 1941 | Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Indian Navy: Formally Established: January 26, 1950 | Navy Day: December 4.
Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV): Specialized submersibles deployed to rescue personnel from disabled submarines underwater.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) is scheduled to be commissioned by the Indian Navy on August 31, 2026?
A: Nipun
Q: Which shipbuilding company designed and constructed the Nistar-class Diving Support Vessels?
A: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
Q: What is the primary role of the Indian Navy's DSV Nipun?
A: Deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, and submarine rescue operations