The Indian Navy on Friday the 16th of October 2026, commissioned INS Samarthak, the country’s first major multi-purpose naval vessel designed and built by a private Indian shipyard, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous warship-building journey and the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai, INS Samarthak has been developed as a highly versatile platform capable of supporting a wide spectrum of naval operations, ranging from maritime surveillance and weapon trials to unmanned systems deployment, disaster relief and salvage missions.
The vessel is the first of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) ordered by the Ministry of Defence under a contract signed with L&T in March 2022.
The project, valued at approximately ₹887 crore, represents a significant expansion of private sector participation in the construction of complex naval platforms.
The second vessel of the class, INS Utkarsh, is currently undergoing sea trials.
Measuring over 106 metres in length and displacing around 3,750 tonnes, INS Samarthak has been designed by the L&T Warship Design Centre with more than 75 percent indigenous content.
The vessel can attain speeds of about 15 knots and has an operational range of approximately 4,500 nautical miles, enabling it to undertake prolonged missions in the Indian Ocean Region.
Unlike conventional frontline combat warships, INS Samarthak has been conceived as a multi-role support platform that will free high-value combatants for operational tasks while undertaking specialised missions.
One of its primary functions will be to support the testing and evaluation of indigenous weapons, sensors and naval systems before their induction into service.
The vessel is also expected to play a central role in future unmanned maritime operations.
Designed to act as a mothership for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous maritime systems, the platform reflects the Indian Navy’s increasing emphasis on integrating emerging technologies into naval operations.
Another notable feature of INS Samarthak is its advanced Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), which allows the ship to maintain precise station-keeping at sea.
This capability will be particularly valuable during weapon trials, recovery operations and the launch and retrieval of unmanned platforms.
The vessel can also undertake a range of support missions, including maritime surveillance, offshore patrol, fleet training activities, target launch and recovery operations, towing of disabled vessels, and salvage support.
In times of natural disasters and emergencies, INS Samarthak can be deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, providing logistical and medical support where required.
Reports indicate the class may also be equipped with a 76-mm naval gun, 30-mm autocannons, heavy machine guns and anti-submarine warfare systems, although the Indian Navy has primarily highlighted its multi-purpose support role.
The ship’s crest features an elephant rising from ocean waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and resilience.
Its reported motto, “Vijayartham Ekanishthata” (Victory is Our Sole Aim), reflects the vessel’s mission-oriented role within the fleet.
With the commissioning of INS Samarthak, India has not only added a unique and technologically advanced support platform to its naval inventory but has also demonstrated the growing capability of the domestic private sector to design and build sophisticated naval vessels for frontline service.
