New Delhi/Karwar, October 14, 2026: The Indian Navy will commission INS Samarthak, its first indigenously designed and built Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), at Naval Base Karwar on October 16, 2026. The induction marks another significant milestone in India’s drive towards defence self-reliance under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, Samarthak is described by the Ministry of Defence as the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy. The vessel was delivered to the Navy on August 27, 2026, after being launched on October 14, 2024, in a ceremony attended by then Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. The Ministry of Defence had signed a contract with L&T on March 25, 2022, for two such vessels at a cost of approximately ₹887 crore under the Buy (Indian) category. The second vessel, Utkarsh, was launched in January 2025 and is currently undergoing sea trials ahead of delivery.
INS Samarthak measures approximately 107 metres in length, has a beam of about 18.6 metres, and displaces more than 3,750 tonnes. It is designed for a maximum speed of 15 knots and incorporates over 75 per cent indigenous content. The ship features an integrated combat suite that combines indigenous sensors, weapons, and electronic systems specifically optimised for operations in challenging maritime environments. It is also equipped with a dynamic positioning system for precise manoeuvring during complex operations such as target recovery and support for unmanned platforms.
Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, the vessel is capable of undertaking a broad spectrum of missions. These include Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), serving as a target deployment and trials platform, functioning as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, conversion into a limited hospital ship, and support for salvage operations. Additional roles include towing ships, launching and recovering surface, aerial, and underwater targets for gunnery and anti-submarine warfare exercises, combating sea pollution, and providing logistics support to remote island territories. By taking on trial, evaluation, and support duties, Samarthak is expected to free frontline warships for their primary operational tasks.
The crest of Samarthak features a formidable Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence, and agility. The ship’s motto is “विजयार्थम् एकनिष्ठता” — “Victory is Our Sole Aim.” The name “Samarthak,” which means “The Proponent” or supporter, reflects its intended role as a versatile and dependable enabler of multiple naval missions rather than a specialised combatant.
The commissioning of INS Samarthak strengthens the Indian Navy’s operational flexibility and enhances its capacity to test and evaluate next-generation indigenous weapons, sensors, and unmanned systems in real sea conditions. It also underscores the expanding role of private shipyards in India’s naval modernisation and reinforces the country’s progress in indigenous warship design and construction. The event forms part of a broader acceleration in indigenous naval inductions, following the recent commissioning of INS Mangrol, the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, earlier in October.
The Indian Navy has not publicly named the commanding officer or specified the ship’s initial operational deployment. With its multi-role design and high indigenous content, INS Samarthak is positioned as an important utility platform supporting the Navy’s future operational and technological requirements.
