INS Samarthak: Indian Navy Commissions The First Indegenous Multi Purpose Vessel; Becomes First Privately-Built Major Warship

Mumbai: The Indian Navy unveiled the inaugural privately-built, indigenous multi-purpose vessel, named INS Samarthak, at Karwar Naval Base on Friday. This vessel, crafted by L&T Shipyard with over 75% indigenous components, marks a significant milestone as the first major warship constructed by an Indian private shipyard. INS Samarthak, the first of four MPVs to join the Indian Navy, is envisioned as a versatile platform for various naval operations.

Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, it is equipped to carry out a wide range of tasks, including strategic operations, trials of next-generation weapons and sensors, unmanned system operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and salvage missions.

The vessel's integrated combat suite includes indigenous sensors, weapons, and electronic systems, specifically tailored for challenging maritime environments. Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan highlighted the growing strength of India's industrial, technological, and shipbuilding capabilities.

He emphasized that INS Samarthak symbolizes the country's growing self-reliance in defence, contributing to India's strategic autonomy. The Vice President praised the Indian Navy for its crucial role in safeguarding national sovereignty, maritime interests, and as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Navy spokesperson underlined the ship's significance in testing and training new indigenous sensors and weapons, emphasizing the vessel's versatility as an advantage in an unpredictable maritime environment.