INS Samarthak

Why in the news?

• Recently, the multi-purpose ship 'Samarthak' was launched at Kattupalli Shipyard.
• This is the first of the two multi-purpose ships to be built by Larsen & Toubro for the Indian Navy.
• The contract for building two multi-purpose ships was signed between the Ministry of Defense and L&T Shipyard on March 25, 2022.
• INS 'Samarthak' is 107 meters long and 18.6 meters wide.
• Its displacement capacity is more than 3,750 tonnes.
• This multi-purpose ship will also perform tasks like towing ships, launching and recovering surface and air targets, operating unmanned autonomous vehicles and providing maritime surveillance, patrolling, humanitarian assistance, etc.
• This special ship is capable of operating on multi-role platforms
• It will conduct tests for development of next generation weapons and sensors for the Navy.