Samarthak-class multi purpose vessel
 L&T Multi Purpose Vessel | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Samarthak Class |
| Builders | Larsen & Toubro |
| Operators |  Indian Navy |
| Cost | ₹887 crore (equivalent to ₹10 billion or US$110 million in 2026) for two (FY 2022) |
| Planned | 2 |
| Building | 1 |
| Completed | 1 |
| 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 QSK95 Diesel Engine |
| 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 vessels are a series of ships being built by Larsen & Toubro at the Kattupalli Sipyard near Chennai for the Indian Navy. The vessels are supposed to provide a cost-effective solution to meet a variety of requirements of Indian Navy.
History
[edit]On 25 March 2022, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro for the acquisition of two multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) at a cost of ₹887 crore (US$112.84 million).[1][2] The vessels would be constructed at the L&T's Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai and the deliveries were scheduled from May 2025.[3]
The keel-laying ceremony for the ships, named Samarthak (lit. 'The Proponent')[4] and Utkarsh, occurred on March 20, 2023, at L&T's Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai.
While Samarthak was delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026, Utkarsh was already launched and undergoing sea trials ahead of her handover.[5][6]
Role
[edit]Their intended primary roles include multi-role support functions such as maritime patrol and surveillance, launching and recovery of torpedoes, and operation of various types of aerial, surface and underwater targets for gunnery and ASW firing exercises.[1][7][3]
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 Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs) & salvage operations, and to provide logistics support for India island territories.[7][3]
Design
[edit]The project is being undertaken by L&T Precision Engineering Systems (PES) while the design and construction was entirely conducted at their Warship Design Centre and Kattupalli Shipyard, respectively. The MPV is specifically designed as a multi-role test and trials platform.[6] The ships have an indigenous content of over 75%.[5]
The vessel has a length of 107 metres and a displacement of 3,750 tonnes. 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]| Name | Yard No | Builder | Laid Down | Launched | Delivered | Commissioning | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samarthak | 18001 | Larsen & Toubro | 20 March 2023[8] | 14 October 2024[9] | 27 August 2026[4][5] | Delivered | |
| Utkarsh | 18002 | 13 January 2025[10] | Sea trials |
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Contract signing with M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Mumbai for acquisition of Two Multi-Purpose Vessels for Indian Navy" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2026.
- ↑ Negi, Manjeet (25 March 2022). "India inks Rs 887 cr deal with Larsen & Toubro for multi-purpose vessels for Navy". India Today. Retrieved 5 September 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Defence Ministry signs Rs.887 crore contract with L&T for two multi-purpose vessels for the Navy". frontline.thehindu.com. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
- 1 2 "Delivery of Samarthak – the first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel of Indian Navy". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 27 August 2026. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Navy gets 1st multipurpose vessel Samarthak; to boost surveillance, weapons testing". The Times of India. 27 August 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
- 1 2 "L&T Delivers Multi-Purpose Vessel INS Samarthal to Indian Navy" (Press release). Larsen & Toubro. 1 September 2026. Retrieved 6 September 2026.
- 1 2 "Navy To Acquire 2 India-Made Multi-Purpose Vessels For Rs 887 Crore". NDTV.com. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
- ↑ "L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli Commemorates Keel Laying of Two Multi-Purpose Vessel". www.psuconnect.in. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
- ↑ "LAUNCH OF 'SAMARTHAK', FIRST SHIP OF MULTI PURPOSE VESSEL (L&T) PROJECT ON 14 OCT 24 AT L&T, CHENNAI". Press Information Bureau. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ↑ "LAUNCH OF 'UTKARSH', SECOND MULTI PURPOSE VESSEL". Press Information Bureau. 13 January 2025.