INS Samarthak

Why in News?

• Commissioning: INS Samarthak was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 16 October 2026 at Karwar, Karnataka.
• Indigenous Construction: It was built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Kattupalli shipyard in Tamil Nadu under the Make in India initiative.
• Indigenous Content: The vessel has over 75% indigenous content.

Key Features

• Type: Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
• Maritime Surveillance: Designed for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and offshore patrolling.
• Weapons Testing: Functions as a target deployment and trials platform for testing weapons and sensors.
• Unmanned Systems: Can serve as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Supports Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
• Other Roles: Can be converted into a limited hospital ship and undertake salvage operations.
• Defence Self-Reliance: Represents India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding and defence manufacturing.

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to INS Samarthak, consider the following statements:

1. It is an indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel of the Indian Navy.
2. It was built by Larsen & Toubro at its shipyard in Tamil Nadu.
3. It can support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
4. It is designed exclusively for anti-submarine warfare.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
• Statement 4 is incorrect because INS Samarthak is a multi-purpose vessel designed for various naval operations, not exclusively for anti-submarine warfare.

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