GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Nistar vs Spearhead

Change comparison vs
Specifications
Nistar Spearhead
Origin 🇮🇳 India 🇺🇸 United States
Category Auxiliary ship Auxiliary ship
Type Diving support vessel Expeditionary Fast Transport
Manufacturer Hindustan Shipyard Austal USA
Year introduced 2025 2012
Number built 2 units 15 units
Estimated unit price $165 million $180 million
Displacement 9,350 tons 1,515 tons
Maximum speed NA 43.0 knots
Range NA 1,200 nm
Length 118.4 m 103.0 m
Beam 22.8 m 28.5 m
Crew -- 41
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Systems
Nistar Spearhead
Armament
  • 2 × 30 mm/65 AK-630 CIWS
  • 4x mounts for M2 .50 caliber machine guns
Propulsion 2 × diesel engine Four MTU 20V8000 M71L diesel engines, Four ZF 60000NR2H reduction gears

Overview

The Nistar and the Spearhead are both Auxiliary ship classes.

The Nistar displaces 9,350 tons — 6.2x the Spearhead's 1,515 tons.

The Nistar was produced in 2 units vs 15 for the Spearhead. Cost per hull is $165M for the Nistar vs $180M for the Spearhead. The Nistar was commissioned in 2025, 13 years after the Spearhead (2012).

Related Comparisons
Nistar vs Type 920 Nistar vs Jacques Chevallier Nistar vs Mashū Nistar vs Supply Nistar vs Type 901 Nistar vs Vulcano

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has greater displacement, the Nistar-class or Spearhead-class?
The Nistar-class has greater displacement at 9,350 tons compared to the Spearhead-class's 1,515 tons.
Which is faster, the Nistar-class or Spearhead-class?
The Spearhead-class is faster with a maximum speed of 43 knots compared to the Nistar-class's 0 knots.
Which has longer range, the Nistar-class or Spearhead-class?
The Spearhead-class has a longer range at 1,200 nautical miles compared to the Nistar-class's 0 nautical miles.
Which is longer, the Nistar-class or Spearhead-class?
The Nistar-class is longer at 118.4 meters compared to the Spearhead-class's 103.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Nistar-class or Spearhead-class?
The Spearhead-class is more expensive at approximately $180 million per unit compared to the Nistar-class at $165 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Nistar-class or Spearhead-class?
The Spearhead-class has been built in greater numbers with 15 vessels compared to 2 vessels of the Nistar-class.