Navy to commission indigenous multi-purpose vessel Samarthak on October 16

The Indian Navy will commission INS Samarthak, the first of four indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs), at the Naval Base in Karwar on October 16, marking another milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

According to the Indian Navy the vessel — built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under the Make in India initiative — is designed for a wide range of maritime missions, including surveillance and patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, and support for trials of naval systems.

Samarthak is expected to play an important role in the Navy’s future operational requirements, serving as a versatile utility platform for strategically significant missions.

Its capabilities include the deployment of targets for trials, and functioning as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. The vessel is also equipped to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. It can be converted into a limited-capacity hospital ship and is capable of supporting salvage operations, adding to its utility during emergencies and contingencies at sea.

Operational flexibility

INS Samarthak’s integrated combat suite combines indigenous sensors, weapons, and electronic systems designed to operate in challenging maritime environments. The commissioning is expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational flexibility while advancing the indigenisation of naval platforms and systems.

The induction of Samarthak is part of the Navy’s broader effort to expand its fleet with indigenously developed platforms capable of undertaking multiple roles. The vessel’s design allows it to support conventional maritime operations as well as emerging requirements involving autonomous technologies and specialised missions.

The ship’s crest features an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence, and agility. Its motto, “Victory is Our Sole Aim” reflects its operational ethos.

The commissioning of Samarthak, the first of the four vessels in the series, will add a new indigenous multi-purpose platform to the Navy’s fleet and underline the growing role of domestic shipbuilding in meeting India’s maritime security requirements.