Built by L&T Shipyard with over 75% indigenous content, the vessel will support maritime surveillance, testing of weapons and sensors, and disaster relief operations

New Delhi : The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, the first of its class of indigenously built Multi Purpose Vessels (MPVs), on Friday, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan in the presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, senior naval and defence officials, dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence and representatives of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and other original equipment manufacturers associated with indigenous systems.

Designed and constructed by L&T Shipyard, INS Samarthak is a major milestone in the growing role of India’s private sector in defence production.

The vessel reflects the strengthening partnership between the Indian Navy and domestic industry in advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and building a self-reliant defence ecosystem.

With more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the vessel incorporates modular construction and pre-outfitting techniques aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing construction timelines.

The project has also contributed to employment generation, industrial capability development and economic growth within the country.

Named Samarthak, meaning The Proponent the vessel has been designed as a versatile platform capable of undertaking a wide range of operational and developmental tasks. Its roles include maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, depending on operational requirements.

The induction of INS Samarthak will strengthen the Navy’s ability to test and evaluate indigenously developed sensors, weapons and other advanced systems.

Its multi purpose design is expected to support training and trials while enhancing operational preparedness in an increasingly complex maritime environment.

The commissioning also underscores India’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, promoting regional stability and expanding cooperative engagement across the Indian Ocean Region.

The vessel’s versatility is expected to provide the Navy with an important platform to address emerging maritime challenges, including non-traditional threats, while supporting the development of indigenous defence technologies.