Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has delivered the Indian Navy’s first domestically built Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), INS Samarthak, at its shipbuilding facility in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
The vessel was constructed under an ₹8.87 billion ($93.4 million) contract awarded in 2022 for a new class of naval support platforms. The program emphasizes indigenous construction, with the ships being assembled by an Indian workforce and incorporating locally sourced components. More than 75% of the project meets the government’s prescribed domestic-content requirement.
Once commissioned, INS Samarthak will play a key role in supporting the Indian Navy’s evaluation and testing of next-generation weapons, sensors, and unmanned systems. The vessel will also undertake a range of operational and support missions, including maritime surveillance, offshore patrols, target deployment and recovery, torpedo recovery, and humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.
The MPV features a dynamic positioning system that enables precise maneuvering during specialized missions. Other capabilities include limited medical facilities, marine pollution-control equipment, and support for logistics operations involving remote islands.
The Indian Navy is also expected to receive a second vessel in the Multi-Purpose Vessel series. Named INS Utkarsh, the ship was launched in January 2025 and is currently undergoing sea trials ahead of its scheduled delivery.
Samarthak-Class Multi-Purpose Vessel
The Samarthak-class MPV is approximately 107 meters long with a 19-meter beam and can accommodate more than 100 personnel. It is also designed to operate a tactical helicopter, including platforms such as the HAL Dhruv.
The vessel carries a broad range of weapons and mission systems, including a 213mm anti-submarine rocket launcher, 324mm triple torpedo launcher, 533mm twin torpedo launcher, 76mm naval gun, 30mm automatic cannons, 12.7mm auxiliary guns, and an electronic warfare suite.
Propulsion is provided by two Cummins QSK95 diesel engines, enabling a top speed of approximately 15 knots (28 km/h). The vessel has an estimated range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km), allowing it to undertake extended maritime support and surveillance missions.
