Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the first of two multi-purpose vessels for the Indian Navy at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai. The vessel, named INS Samarthak, is 107 meters long and 18.6 meters wide, with a displacement of over 3,750 tonnes. Designed and built in-house by L&T, the vessel aligns with the government's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.

The vessel was formally launched by Shashi Tripathi, President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association, in the presence of senior Navy officials, including Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and Rear Admirals Sandeep Mehta and Ravi Kumar Dhingra, along with L&T representatives. The Kattupalli shipyard, where the launch took place, is located approximately 45 kilometers north of Chennai.

The INS Samarthak is a versatile platform designed to perform various roles for the Navy. It will conduct trials for next-generation weapons and sensors, assist in maritime surveillance, patrolling, and humanitarian missions, and carry out the launch and recovery of surface and aerial targets.

A senior L&T official said that the successful launch of the vessel, despite supply chain challenges, demonstrates the company's dedication to national security and its ability to design and execute complex warships. L&T also reiterated its commitment to supporting the Indian Navy's modernization efforts through innovative solutions in defense manufacturing.

In addition to the two multi-purpose vessels, L&T is constructing three cadet training ships and six other defense vessels for the Navy as part of a public-private partnership. The company is also involved in the repair of the US Naval Ship 'Charles Drew' under a Master Ship Repair agreement with the US Navy.

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