The first ship of the two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) project, built by India’s defence major Larsen & Toubro for the Indian Navy, was launched on Monday at L&T Shipyard Kattupalli near Chennai . Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, presided over the ceremony. The Indian Navy stated in its statement that the ship has been named ‘Samarthak,’ which means ‘Supporter’ and is synonymous with the multi-dimensional role envisaged from the platform.
During the event, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized the importance of MPVs as critical enablers with a multidimensional role. He stated, “For enhancing the Indian Navy’s Bluewater capabilities, providing the forward-deployed units the necessary mobility, flexibility and versatility in demonstrating poise, presence and reach to deliver the desired effects at the place and time of our choosing.”
Samarthak, the first ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Multi Purpose Vessel (MPV) project, was launched at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli on #14Oct 24.
The vessel was launched by Mrs Shashi Tripathi, President #NWWA, in the presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS.… pic.twitter.com/FZVZHwZrZ0
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 14, 2024
The contract for building two MPV was signed between the Ministry of Defence and L&T Shipyard on 25 March 2022. These vessels will be capable of towing ships, launching and recovering various targets, operating unmanned autonomous vehicles, and serving as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors under development. The MPV can achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots and are 106 meters long and 16.8 meters wide.
The MPV will be used to test indigenous weapons, sensors, and equipment, including surface and subsurface target towing. It will also free frontline ships from such roles, act as a mothership for unmanned or uncrewed vessels, and be used for mine countermeasures (MCM).
According to the Navy, launching this ship by a private Indian shipyard is another milestone in indigenous shipbuilding and is in accordance with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Team BharatShakti
