New Delhi, October 16 (H.S.): The Indian Navy has commissioned its first indigenous multipurpose vessel, ‘Samarthak’, into its fleet at the Kadamba Naval Base in Karwar, Karnataka. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan dedicated the indigenously built vessel to the nation on Friday. INS Samarthak is expected to play a significant role in meeting the Indian Navy’s future operational requirements, serving as a versatile utility platform for strategically important missions. The vessel was handed over to the Indian Navy on August 27 and has successfully completed all its sea trials.

Built at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai under the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the vessel incorporates more than 75 per cent indigenous content. Samarthak is the first of four multipurpose vessels (MPVs) being inducted into the Indian Navy. Its commissioning marks another significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in the defence sector. The vessel is set to become an important component of the Navy’s future capabilities and is expected to serve as a versatile platform for strategically significant operations.

Primarily designed for maritime surveillance and patrol duties, Samarthak is also capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, including low-intensity maritime operations, target deployment, and serving as a test platform. It can function as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems, provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, be converted into a limited-capability hospital ship, and support search-and-rescue operations.

The vessel is equipped with an integrated combat suite comprising indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems. It has been specifically designed to operate in challenging maritime environments. At the top of the vessel, its crest depicts a formidable Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility. The ship’s motto is ‘Vijayartham Ekanishthata’, meaning ‘Victory is our sole objective’.

The commissioning of Samarthak represents another major achievement in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence. In addition to supporting the Indian Navy’s future strategic operations, the vessel is expected to prove highly useful in a variety of operational roles. Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, Samarthak can also be converted into a limited-capability hospital ship and assist in rescue operations.

Unlike conventional vessels built for a single purpose, Samarthak has been designed as a flexible platform capable of adapting to different operational requirements. It can be deployed for naval trials as well as operational support and can assist in relief and rescue efforts during natural disasters and other emergencies.

The multipurpose vessel (MPV) class is intended to provide the Navy with a flexible platform for a range of operational and support requirements, including missions involving emerging unmanned technologies. Its combination of surveillance, weapons, aviation support and specialised operational capabilities gives it a role extending well beyond that of a conventional patrol vessel. Its induction also highlights the growing contribution of domestic shipyards to the construction of platforms for the Indian Navy.

The second vessel in the class, ‘Utkarsh’, was launched in January 2025 and is currently undergoing sea trials and inspections.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice-President Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan and was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Karnataka’s Minister for Labour and Employment, senior officials from the Navy and the Ministry of Defence, and representatives of Larsen & Toubro Limited and indigenous equipment-related organisations were also present.

The Vice-President was accorded a Guard of Honour at the event, while the Chief of the Naval Staff presented him with a memento.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar