Navy to Commission Indigenous Multipurpose Vessel INS Samarthak

The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission INS Samarthak at the Naval Base in Karwar, Karnataka, on 16 October 2026. It is the first of four indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) planned for induction into the Navy. Larsen & Toubro built the vessel under the Make in India initiative, with more than 75 per cent indigenous content.

Roles and Capabilities

INS Samarthak is designed for surveillance and patrol, low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and support for trials of naval systems. It can deploy targets used in trials and serve as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. These functions combine conventional maritime tasks with support for testing naval equipment and operating autonomous platforms.

The vessel can undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. It can also be converted into a limited-capacity hospital ship and support salvage operations. These capabilities allow the platform to perform specialised roles during emergencies at sea.

Indigenous Combat Systems

The ship’s integrated combat suite combines indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems. The suite is designed to operate in challenging maritime environments. INS Samarthak forms part of the Navy’s effort to induct domestically developed platforms capable of performing multiple roles.

Multi-Purpose Vessels and Naval Operations

A multi-purpose vessel is a naval platform configured to undertake several operational tasks rather than a single specialised role. The stated functions of INS Samarthak include patrol, trials support, deployment of targets, operation as a mothership, HADR, hospital support and salvage. Its ability to support trials includes the testing of naval systems.

Important Facts for Exams

• INS Samarthak is the first of four indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessels planned for the Indian Navy.
• The scheduled commissioning location is the Naval Base in Karwar, Karnataka.
• LIMO refers to low-intensity maritime operations, while HADR refers to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• The vessel’s integrated combat suite combines sensors, weapons and electronic systems.

Crest and Motto

The crest of INS Samarthak depicts an Indian elephant emerging from the waves. The vessel’s motto is “Vijayartham Eknishthata”, translated as “Victory is Our Sole Aim”.