Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), was delivered by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli shipyard, Tamil Nadu.
With over 75% indigenous content, the vessel is primarily intended for testing and evaluating naval systems, while also supporting surveillance, offshore patrolling and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
About Samarthak
- Type: Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
- Builder: Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
- Shipyard: Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
- Delivered: 27 August 2026.
- Launched: October 2024.
- Indigenous content: More than 75%.
- It is the first of two MPVs being built by L&T.
- Built under a ₹887 crore contract signed with the Ministry of Defence in March 2022.
- Contract category: Buy (Indian).
- Samarthak means “The Proponent”, reflecting its role in enabling multiple naval missions.
Role & Capabilities
Samarthak is designed as a flexible platform rather than being restricted to one function.
- Trial & Evaluation: Tests naval weapons, sensors and other systems before their wider deployment.
- Maritime Surveillance: Supports monitoring and information gathering at sea.
- Offshore Patrolling: Performs maritime security and surveillance duties.
- HADR: Can assist in rescue and relief operations during disasters and emergencies.
- Unmanned Systems: Can support certain unmanned aerial and surface systems.
This multi-role design gives the Navy a dedicated platform for testing emerging technologies as well as operational support.
Significance for India
Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- More than 75% indigenous content highlights India’s increasing ability to build specialised naval vessels domestically.
Defence Technology
- The vessel provides a platform for testing indigenous weapons, sensors and naval technologies.
Private-Sector Participation
- Its construction by L&T underlines the growing contribution of private Indian shipyards to naval modernisation.
Maritime Security
- Its surveillance and patrolling capabilities can strengthen India’s monitoring of its maritime domain.
HADR Capability
- Its disaster-relief role can enhance India’s ability to respond to emergencies, particularly across the Indian Ocean Region.
Defence Industrial Ecosystem
- Projects like Samarthak generate opportunities for domestic shipbuilding, engineering, electronics and other defence industries.