Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Defence
Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, at Karwar, Karnataka.
- It is the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
- Designed and constructed by – Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard.
- It highlights the role of India’s private sector in indigenous defence manufacturing.
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Feature
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Details
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Name meaning
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Samarthak means “The Proponent”
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Primary purpose
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Trials and evaluation of indigenous naval systems
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Construction techniques
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Modular construction and pre-outfitting
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Operational roles
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Maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling and HADR
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Strategic significance
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Supports self-reliance in defence manufacturing
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Project
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First of two Multi-Purpose Vessels being built by L&T.
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Key Functions
- Trials and Evaluation – It serves as a dedicated platform for testing and evaluating indigenous sensors and weapons.
- Training – It facilitates training on newly developed naval technologies.
- Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance – It enables monitoring of maritime areas and collection of operational information.
- Offshore Patrolling – It enhances maritime security and patrol operations.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) – It provides support for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
Indigenous Shipbuilding and Technology
- Indigenous content – The vessel incorporates more than 75% indigenous content.
- This approach promotes domestic defence manufacturing and reduces reliance on foreign facilities for the testing of naval technologies.
- It encourages participation by Indian industries and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
- Construction techniques
- Modular construction – The vessel is built using separate sections or modules that are assembled together.
- Pre-outfitting – It refers to the installation of equipment and systems within sections prior to final assembly, thereby improving construction efficiency and reducing timelines.
Significance
- It enhances the domestic defence industrial ecosystem.
- It facilitates employment generation and advances technical capabilities.
- It enhances the Indian Navy’s capacity to validate indigenous technologies prior to broader operational deployment.
- It aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Reference
The Hindu | INS SAMARTHAK
