Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel INS Samarthak

The Indian Navy commissioned the INS Samarthak on October 16, 2026, at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. The 3,750-tonne vessel is the first of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd at the Kattupalli Shipyard. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Chief of the Naval Staff.

Constructed under a ₹887 crore contract signed in March 2022, the INS Samarthak features over 75% indigenous content. It aligns with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to increase defense self-reliance. The vessel serves as a specialized test and trials platform for indigenous weapons and sensors, while also supporting maritime surveillance, offshore patrolling, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).

Beyond combat capabilities, the ship acts as a mothership for unmanned autonomous systems and is equipped for salvage operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. It can also be converted into a limited hospital ship. While the Ministry of Defence described the ship as the first of four MPVs being inducted, the original contract with Larsen & Toubro covered two vessels. The second ship of the class, the INS Utkarsh, is currently undergoing sea trials.