India Unveils ‘Utkash’ as Second Multi-Purpose Vessel

On January 13, 2025, the second of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy was launched at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. The event was graced by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and L&T Shipyard. The vessel, named ‘Utkarsh’, signifies a leap forward in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and aligns with the country’s broader vision of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Key Details

• Launch Event: Held on January 13, 2025, at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Chennai.
• Vessel Name: ‘Utkarsh’, meaning “Superior in Conduct,” reflecting the vessel’s multi-dimensional role.

Key Figures

• Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, who attended the event.
• VAdm B Sivakumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition.
• Shri Jayant Damodar Patil, Advisor to CMD.
• Shri Arun Ramchandani, Head, M/s L&T PES.
• Other senior officers from the Indian Navy and M/s L&T Shipyard.
• Launch Ceremony: In keeping with maritime traditions, the ship was launched by Dr. Smt Sushmita Misra Singh, spouse of Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary.

Features of ‘Utkarsh’ and the ulti-Purpose Vessel

Design and Dimensions

• Length: 106 meters.
• Maximum speed: 15 knots.

Capabilities

• Towing ships.
• Launching and recovering various targets.
• Operating unmanned autonomous vehicles.
• Acting as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors under development.
• Indigenous Shipbuilding: This project is a significant milestone for the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts, furthering the government’s vision for a self-reliant defense ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative.

Background

Contract Details

• The contract for the two Multi-Purpose Vessels was signed on March 25, 2022, between the Ministry of Defence and M/s L&T Shipyard.
• The first MPV was launched earlier, and the successful launch of ‘Utkarsh’ marks another key step toward enhancing India’s maritime capabilities.

Strategic Importance

• Supporting Indigenous Defense Initiatives: The vessel is a testament to the growing capability of Indian shipyards, with the support of the government’s emphasis on defense self-sufficiency.
• Alignment with National Goals: The project reflects the Government of India’s broader defense strategy, focusing on expanding domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports.