The second of the two multi-purpose vessels (MPV), capable of towing ships, launching and recovering various targets, operating unmanned autonomous vehicles and acting as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors, was launched on Monday from Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai.
The ship, named ‘Utkarsh’, meaning ‘Superior in Conduct’, is being built by L&T Shipbuilding Limited for the Indian Navy.
The 106 m long, 18.6m wide vessels, with a displacement over 3,750 tonnes, are designed to achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots. The vessel will enhance the maritime surveillance, patrolling, disaster relief capabilities of the Navy.
The launch of INS Utkarsh comes within three months of the launch of the first MPV, INS Samarthak.
"This endeavour is in line with Indian Navy efforts towards indigenous shipbuilding and the launch of this vessel by a private Indian shipyard showcases the country’s strides in indigenous shipbuilding, in consonance with the government of India's vision for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiative," the defence ministry said in a statement.
“The successful launch of the second MPV ahead of schedule underscores L&T’s unwavering commitment to bolster India’s national security. With our unmatched in-house design expertise and execution prowess, we are committed to providing cutting-edge defence platforms to support Indian Navy’s fleet expansion needs, "A.T. Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head - L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, said.
Utkarsh was launched by Sushmita Misra Singh, spouse of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who was present on the occasion, Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Jayant Damodar Patil, Advisor to CMD and other senior officers from the Indian Navy.
