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INS Samarthak to be commissioned at Karwar on 16 October as Navy’s first multi-purpose vessel

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INS Samarthak, the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) built for the Indian Navy, will be commissioned at Naval Base Karwar on 16 October 2026, the defence ministry said on Tuesday. Larsen and Toubro built the ship under the Make in India programme, and the Navy calls it an ideal utility ship for strategically important operations.

INS Samarthak: Samarthak at sea ahead of its commissioning
Samarthak at sea ahead of its commissioning Photo: PIB (Government of India, free to use with credit).

What the INS Samarthak multi-purpose vessel can do

Samarthak is designed mainly for maritime surveillance and patrol. The ministry said it can also carry out Low Intensity Maritime Operations, act as a platform for target deployment and weapon trials, and serve as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. In a crisis it can support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, be converted into a limited hospital ship and help in salvage work. Its integrated combat suite combines Indian-made sensors, weapons and electronic systems tuned for difficult sea conditions. The Hindu and DD News also reported the 16 October date.

Key Facts

  • Commissioning: 16 October 2026, Naval Base Karwar
  • Builder: Larsen and Toubro, Kattupalli
  • Series: first of 4 Multi-Purpose Vessels
  • Indigenous content: over 75%
  • Delivered: 27 August 2026

From L&T Kattupalli to Naval Base Karwar

L&T’s Kattupalli yard handed the ship to the Navy on 27 August 2026. At that time the ministry said the vessel has more than 75 per cent indigenous content and was conceived as a versatile trial and evaluation platform. Its name means ‘The Proponent’, a nod to its role as an enabler of many missions rather than a single task. The crest shows an Indian elephant rising from the waves, standing for strength, intelligence and agility. The ship’s motto is ‘Vijayartham Ekanishthata’, or ‘Victory is Our Sole Aim’.

The ship's crest shows an Indian elephant rising from the waves
The ship's crest shows an Indian elephant rising from the waves Photo: PIB (Government of India, free to use with credit).

Make in India warship programme: what happens next

Samarthak is the first of a series of four MPVs, so three more hulls are due to follow from the same programme. The commissioning ceremony at Karwar, home to one of the Navy’s largest bases on the west coast, will formally hoist the naval ensign on the ship. The ministry has not yet named the chief guest or given a delivery timeline for the remaining three vessels. Once in service, the ship is expected to take over trial and support tasks that would otherwise tie up frontline warships.

Why It Matters: A dedicated trials and utility ship frees frontline warships for operations and shows the private shipbuilding sector delivering naval hulls under Make in India.

Also on TrendDesh: INS Mangrol commissioned: Navy gets third indigenous anti-submarine shallow water craft · IBSAMAR IX 2026: INS Tarkash joins Brazil and South Africa navies for drills

Source: PIB · PIB (delivery, 27 Aug) · The Hindu · DD News

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