Indian Navy receives first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel ‘Samarthak’
New Delhi, Aug 27. The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Samarthak, the first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli shipyard, marking another milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen indigenous naval shipbuilding.
The vessel was delivered to the Navy on August 27 and features more than 75 percent indigenous content, underscoring the growing capabilities of India’s domestic defence industry.
Designed as a versatile platform for trials and evaluation, Samarthak can undertake a range of missions beyond its primary role. The vessel has also been engineered for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling and support for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations when required.
The ship’s name, Samarthak, meaning “The Proponent”, reflects its intended role as a dependable platform capable of supporting diverse naval missions. Unlike specialised vessels designed for a single purpose, the MPV has been conceived to perform a broad spectrum of operational and support tasks.
The vessel’s delivery is being seen as a significant step in the Indian Navy’s drive towards greater self-reliance in shipbuilding and defence capabilities. Its high indigenous content also reflects the increasing participation of Indian industry in meeting the country’s maritime security requirements.
The induction of Samarthak further advances the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative by strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and reducing reliance on overseas sources for critical naval capabilities.
With its combination of trial, surveillance, patrol and disaster-relief functions, the new MPV is expected to provide the Navy with a flexible platform for a variety of missions in India’s maritime domain.
