On August 27, 2026, L&T delivered Samarthak, the first of two Indian-built Multi-Purpose Vessels, at Kattupalli; the 2022 contract was about ₹887 crore and the ship has more than 75% indigenous content.

The 106-metre, 3,750-tonne vessel (about 15 knots, ~116 crew) is a support ship, not a frontline fighter: trials platform, patrol/training aid, tug/salvage craft, disaster-relief and oil-spill helper.

Its main value is testing weapons, sensors, torpedoes, minesweeping practice, and unmanned air/surface/underwater systems at sea without tying up combat ships—another modest step in naval self-reliance.

The Indian Navy has received a ship that is not tied to one single job. Samarthak, the first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, was delivered to the Indian Navy by Larsen and Toubro at Kattupalli, near Chennai, on August 27, 2026. This delivery matters because the vessel has been designed and built in India, with more than 75 percent indigenous content.

The name Samarthak means supporter, and the name suits the ship perfectly. Unlike a warship that is built mainly to fight, Samarthak is meant to help several naval activities. It can work as a testing platform, a patrol vessel, a training support ship, a towing vessel and a disaster-relief platform.........

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