INS Samarthak: The Indian Navy will commission INS Samarthak at Naval Base Karwar on October 16, 2026. Built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the ship is designed to handle different jobs at sea. These include watching coastal waters, testing new weapons, operating unmanned vehicles and helping during natural disasters.
The vessel was built under the government’s Make in India initiative. It has over 75% indigenous content, meaning most of its equipment and systems come from India. The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 887-crore contract with L&T on March 25, 2022, to build two multi-purpose vessels, INS Samarthak and INS Utkarsh.
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INS Samarthak Roles and Capabilities
INS Samarthak can do many different jobs for the Indian Navy. One of its main tasks will be testing new weapons and equipment before they’re used on other warships. It can also help sailors practise and learn how to use these systems.
The ship can launch and bring back targets from the air and sea during training. Sailors can use them to practise firing guns and other weapons. It can also help DRDO and private companies test new technology like radars, sonars and missile systems.
Another job of INS Samarthak is to work with unmanned vehicles. It can launch, control and recover these vehicles during different operations at sea.NThe vessel will also be used for keeping watch over the sea and patrolling coastal areas. It can take part in Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) as well. During emergencies, the ship can tow damaged vessels and help with salvage work. It can also support efforts to deal with marine pollution.
Weapons, Equipment and Technical Specifications
The ship has weapons, sensors and electronic systems to support its naval duties. Its listed weapons and defence equipment include an OTO Melara 76 mm main gun, CRN-91 30 mm automatic cannons and Stabilised Remote Controlled Gun (SRCG) systems.
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For anti-submarine warfare, it carries Varunastra and Shyena torpedo launchers, along with RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. Its electronic systems include the indigenous SANKET Mk III Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system and Kavach chaff rocket countermeasures. These help detect electronic signals and respond to certain threats.
The ship also has a flight deck with provisions for the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. Its Dynamic Positioning System helps it stay at a fixed position during operations. Its key technical specifications are:
- Displacement: 3,750 tonnes
- Length: 107 metres
- Beam: 18.6 metres
- Maximum speed: 15 knots
- Operational range: 4,500 nautical miles Crew capacity: 116 personnel, including eight officers
Disaster Relief and the Ship’s Motto
INS Samarthak can support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions after natural disasters and other emergencies. It can also be converted into a limited-capacity hospital ship to provide medical help. Its towing and salvage equipment can assist vessels in trouble.
The ship’s crest shows an Indian elephant rising from the waves. It represents strength, intelligence and agility. Its motto is “विजयार्थम् एकनिष्ठता”, which means “Victory is Our Sole Aim”. INS Utkarsh, the second vessel under the original L&T contract, was launched on January 14, 2025, and is undergoing tests and sea trials
