Indian Navy Commissions INS Samarthak

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, its first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), on 16 October 2026 at Naval Base Karwar in Karnataka. Built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai under the Make in India initiative, the vessel has more than 75 per cent indigenous content. It is the first of four MPVs planned for induction into the Navy and was delivered on 27 August 2026.

Construction and Indigenous Content

INS Samarthak was constructed at L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard, a shipbuilding facility near Chennai. Its indigenous content exceeds 75 per cent, meaning that more than three-quarters of the vessel’s content is sourced or produced domestically. The project forms part of the Make in India initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing. The Indian Navy plans to induct four Multi-Purpose Vessels, with INS Samarthak as the first vessel in the series.

Multi-Purpose Vessel Capabilities

An MPV is designed to perform a range of naval tasks. INS Samarthak is intended for maritime surveillance and patrol missions, as well as testing weapons and sensors. It can support unmanned and autonomous systems, which operate with reduced or no direct human control. Its other roles include Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), limited hospital-ship functions and salvage operations. HADR refers to assistance provided during emergencies and disasters, including relief and support operations.

Specifications and Naval Base

INS Samarthak is 107 metres long and has a displacement of 3,750 tonnes. It can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots and has a range of 4,500 nautical miles. One knot equals one nautical mile per hour. Naval Base Karwar is located on the Karnataka coast. The ship’s crest depicts an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, and its motto, “विजयार्थम् एकनिष्ठता”, means “Victory is Our Sole Aim”.

Important Facts for Exams:

• INS Samarthak is the Indian Navy’s first Multi-Purpose Vessel.
• The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026.
• Larsen & Toubro built the vessel at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai.
• The ship’s maximum speed is 15 knots, and its range is 4,500 nautical miles.

The Navy’s plan includes four Multi-Purpose Vessels, with INS Samarthak as the first to be inducted. Its listed roles include surveillance, patrol, weapons and sensor testing, HADR support and salvage operations.