Samarthak-class Multi Purpose Vessel
| File:Launch of 'Utkarsh'.jpg L&T Multi Purpose Vessel | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Samarthak Class |
| Builders | Larsen & Toubro |
| Operators | File:Naval Ensign of India.svg Indian Navy |
| Cost | ₹887 crore (equivalent to ₹940 crore or US$110 million in 2023) for two (FY 2022) |
| Planned | 2 |
| Building | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Multi-purpose vessel |
| Displacement | 3,750 t (3,690 long tons; 4,130 short tons) |
| Length | 107 m (351 ft 1 in) |
| Beam | 18.6 m (61 ft 0 in) |
| Propulsion | CODAD: 2 × Cummins Diesel Engines |
| Speed | 15 kn (28 km/h; 17 mph) |
| Range | 4,500 nmi (8,300 km; 5,200 mi) |
| Crew | 116 including 08 officers |
| Sensors & processing systems |
|
| Electronic warfare & decoys |
|
| Armament |
|
| Aviation facilities | 1 × HAL Dhruv Mk.III |
Samarthak-class Multi Purpose Vessel is a series of under construction Multi Purpose Vessels for the Indian Navy. Under the programme the Indian Navy is acquiring two advanced ships. MPVs will be the first of its kind platform, constructed to provide a cost-effective solution to meet a variety of requirements of Indian Navy. These vessels, to be built by Larsen & Toubro's at Kattupalli Sipyard near Chennai, will perform multi-role support functions such as maritime surveillance and patrol, launching and recovery of torpedoes, and operation of various types of aerial, surface and underwater targets for Gunnery/ASW firing exercises. These vessels would also be capable of towing ships and rendering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support with limited hospital ship capability. The ship will also act as trial platform for naval weapons and sensors under development, support platform for ISV & salvage operations, and to provide logistics support for India island territories.[1][2][3][4]
History
[edit | edit source]The Samarthak-class Multi Purpose Vessel marks a notable chapter in the Indian Navy's efforts to bolster its capabilities through indigenous innovation. The program began with a contract signed on March 25, 2022, between the Ministry of Defence and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the construction of two advanced vessels at a total cost of ₹887 crore. The keel-laying ceremony for the ships, named Samarthak (“Supporter”) and Utkarsh, occurred on March 20, 2023, at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai.
Design
[edit | edit source]The Samarthak-class Multi Purpose Vessel (MPV), indigenously designed and built by Larsen & Toubro for the Indian Navy, is a versatile 107-meter, 3,750-tonne platform launched on October 14, 2024, at Kattupalli Shipyard. Powered by a CODAD system with two Pielstick diesel engines, it achieves a maximum speed of 15 knots and a 4,500-nautical-mile range, ensuring endurance for extended missions. With a beam of 18.6 meters and accommodations for 116 crew members, including 8 officers, the vessel balances stability, capacity, and comfort. Its design supports diverse roles: maritime surveillance with advanced radar and LINK II datalink, target launch/recovery for gunnery and ASW training, towing operations, and unmanned vehicle deployment. Equipped with the SANKET MkIII electronic warfare system and Kavach anti-missile defense, it offers robust self-protection, while SATCOM enhances communication. The MPV also serves as a trial platform for indigenous weapons and sensors, aligning with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. Beyond combat, it supports humanitarian assistance and disaster relief with limited hospital facilities and combats sea pollution, showcasing environmental responsibility. Its modular design allows adaptability, from heavy-lift operations to testing next-generation technologies. Cost-effective and multi-role, the Samarthak-class reduces reliance on specialized ships, strengthening India’s naval flexibility. This vessel embodies a blend of modern engineering and strategic foresight, meeting the Indian Navy’s evolving needs in surveillance, training, support, and relief operations while advancing domestic shipbuilding prowess.
Ships of the Class
[edit | edit source]| Name | Yard No | Builder | Laid Down | Launched | Commissioning | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samarthak | 18001 | Larsen & Toubro | 20 March 2023[5] | 14 October 2024[6] | Launched | |
| Utkarsh | 18002 | 13 January 2025[7] |
References
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