By Staff Correspondent
On 20 March 2023, the keel-laying ceremony of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) was held at Larson and Toubro (L&T) Shipyard in Kattupalli. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, with VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A, Ashok Khetan, Head Shipbuilding Business of L&T and other senior officials from Indian Navy and L&T in attendance.
The construction of the vessels is part of the Government of India’s ‘Aatmarnirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives and marks the first time Indian Navy Warships will be constructed by L&T in Kattupalli. The vessels are named Yard18001 – Samarthak & Yard 18002 – Utkarsh.
The Indian Navy is set to receive MPVs, with all major machinery, auxiliary equipment and systems sourced from domestic manufacturers. This move is expected to provide a boost to defence production and job creation within the country. The vessels will offer a range of services, including maritime surveillance, patrolling, disaster relief and launching expendable targets for exercises, as well as operating autonomously/remotely operated/unmanned vessels.
