The Indian Navy has strengthened its underwater support fleet with the delivery of INS Nipun, the second Nistar-class diving support vessel built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. The vessel is part of a 2018 procurement program and follows its keel laying in 2020 and launch in 2022. Designed to support India’s submarine force, INS Nipun can conduct deepwater diving, underwater surveillance, salvage operations, and rescue missions. The ship is equipped to transport and deploy Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels, providing an important capability for recovering personnel from submarines in distress. Measuring 118 meters in length with a 23-meter beam, the vessel features twin diesel propulsion, dynamic positioning, diver monitoring equipment, sonar systems for mapping and debris detection, specialized communications, and navigation radars. Its defensive equipment includes an electronic warfare suite, Lynx-U2 fire-control system, and 30mm AK-630 guns. The ship can reach 18 knots, operate continuously for up to 60 days, and track divers at depths of up to 300 meters.
