A mothership for drones, a testbed for weapons: What INS Samarthak brings to Indian Navy
The Indian Navy has commissioned the INS Samarthak, a multi-purpose vessel designed to serve as a testbed for weapons, sensors, and unmanned aerial and surface vehicles. Built by Larsen and Toubro, the ship will also support maritime surveillance, disaster relief, and hospital operations.
Why it matters
The commissioning of this vessel represents a significant advancement in the Indian Navy's technological testing and operational support capabilities.
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Samarthak, a Multi-Purpose Vessel, at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Chief of the Naval Staff, commissioned the ship, which is the lead vessel of the Samarthak class. The second vessel, the Utkarsh, is undergoing sea trials. The MPV is a specialised multi-role test and trials platform designed to enhance the Navy's future combat capabilities.Samarthak means supporter, a name that reflects the wide role planned for the ship. Beyond technology development, it will support maritime surveillance, patrolling, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and environmental protection. Its crest shows an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility.The ship displaces 3,750 tonnes, is 106 metres long, has a beam of 16.8 metres and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots (27 kmph).
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