Associated News Bureau

Indian Navy to Commission Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel Samarthak at Karwar on October 16

New Delhi, October 13: The Indian Navy is set to commission Samarthak, the first of four indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs), at Naval Base Karwar on October 16, marking another milestone in India's efforts to strengthen defence self-reliance under the Make in India initiative. Built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Samarthak is designed to support a wide range of naval operations and is expected to play an important role in the Indian Navy's future operational requirements. Primarily designed for maritime surveillance and patrol, the vessel is also capable of undertaking Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), serving as a platform for target deployment and trials, and functioning as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. The vessel can also support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, be converted into a limited-capacity hospital ship, and undertake salvage operations, providing the Navy with a versatile platform for diverse maritime requirements. According to the Ministry of Defence, Samarthak is equipped with an integrated combat suite comprising indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems, designed to support operations in challenging maritime environments. The vessel's commissioning will further strengthen India's indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities and contribute to the country's broader objective of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The crest of Samarthak features an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility. The commissioning of the vessel is expected to mark a significant step in expanding the Indian Navy's fleet of indigenously developed multi-purpose platforms. ANB