Released in YC 117 as the result of the first Republic Fleet joint research project to include engineers from all seven Minmatar tribes, the Svipul is a powerful symbol of inter-tribal unity for many Republic citizens. Although the contributions of engineers from the Nefantar and Starkmanir tribes were fairly minor, a large delegation from the Vo-Lakat Thukker caravan and donations from Republic loyalist capsuleers across the cluster were invaluable to the development of this incredibly adaptable warship.