Indian Navy Commissions INS Samarthak at Karwar, Boosting Combat Technology Trials

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Samarthak, a Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, adding a specialised platform designed to test and evaluate emerging technologies, weapons and sensors before their potential induction into service. Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Chief of the Naval Staff, commissioned the vessel, which is the lead ship of the Samarthak class. Its sister vessel, Utkarsh, is currently undergoing sea trials.
Designed as a multi-role test and trials platform, INS Samarthak is expected to strengthen the Navy’s ability to develop and assess technologies that will enhance its future combat capabilities. Its planned responsibilities extend beyond technology development to maritime surveillance, patrolling, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and environmental protection.
The name Samarthak means “supporter”, reflecting the broad range of responsibilities assigned to the vessel. Its crest features an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility.
INS Samarthak displaces 3,750 tonnes and measures 106 metres in length, with a beam of 16.8 metres. The vessel can attain a maximum speed of 15 knots, equivalent to 27 kmph. It is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System that enables it to maintain a precise position at sea during complex manoeuvres and specialised operations.
The ship can launch and recover surface and aerial targets for gunnery and anti-submarine warfare training. It can also deploy and operate autonomous, remote-controlled and unmanned surface and aerial vehicles. These capabilities will allow the Navy to use the vessel as a dedicated platform for testing and evaluating weapons, sensors and other systems under development before they are considered for induction.
INS Samarthak is also designed to function as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. Its intended operational roles include low-intensity maritime operations, towing support for other vessels, salvage operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. When required, the vessel can be converted into a hospital ship, extending its utility to emergency medical support.
The combination of technology trials, unmanned-system operations and maritime support roles gives the Navy a platform for both capability development and operational requirements. Its ability to undertake specialised testing alongside surveillance, towing, salvage and disaster-response duties makes it a multi-purpose asset for a range of naval tasks.
Larsen and Toubro (L&T) conceptualised, engineered and built INS Samarthak at its Warship Design Centre and shipbuilding facility at Kattupalli, approximately 40 km north of Chennai. More than 75 per cent of the vessel’s content is indigenous, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
L&T has built two Multi-Purpose Vessels, INS Samarthak and Utkarsh, under a contract worth Rs 887 crore signed with the Defence Ministry on March 25, 2022. With INS Samarthak now commissioned and its sister vessel undergoing sea trials, the two-ship programme is set to support the Navy’s technology evaluation requirements and a wider range of maritime operations.