The second of the two Multi Purpose Vessels, being built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary on 13 Jan 25 at L&T, Kattupalli, Chennai. VAdm B Sivakumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Shri Jayant Damodar Patil, Advisor to CMD, Shri Arun Ramchandani, Head M/s L&T PES and other Senior Officers from Indian Navy and M/s L&T were also present for the ceremony. In keeping with maritime traditions, the ship was launched by Dr Smt Sushmita Misra Singh, spouse of Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary.
The ship has been named ‘Utkarsh’ which means ‘Superior in Conduct’ and is synonymous to the multi-dimensional role envisaged for the platform. The contract for two Multi Purpose Vessels was signed between Ministry of Defence and M/s L&T Shipyard on 25 Mar 22. These Multi Purpose Vessels will be capable of towing ships, launch and recover various targets, operate unmanned autonomous vehicles and act as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors under development. The 106 m vessels are designed to achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots.
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 Govt. of India vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative.