The Indian Navy will commission Samarthak, the first of four multipurpose vessels being inducted into its fleet, at Naval Base Karwar on October 16. The induction is expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational flexibility while advancing India’s focus on indigenous defence capabilities.

Built by Larsen & Toubro under the Make in India initiative, Samarthak has been designed to support a broad range of operational requirements. Its primary roles include maritime surveillance and patrol, while the vessel can also undertake low-intensity maritime operations and provide a platform for target deployment and trials.

The vessel is capable of operating as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. This capability allows it to support the deployment and operation of such systems during maritime activities, while its multipurpose design enables it to perform different roles according to operational requirements.

Samarthak can also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. It can be converted into a limited hospital ship and has capabilities for salvage-related operations, giving the vessel utility beyond surveillance, patrol and training-related activities.

Its integrated combat suite combines indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems that have been optimised for challenging maritime conditions. The vessel’s crest features an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, representing strength, intelligence and agility, while its motto conveys that victory is the sole aim.

The commissioning will mark another step in the Navy’s induction of multipurpose platforms and in the wider effort to build defence capabilities within India. Samarthak’s combination of surveillance, support, unmanned-systems and humanitarian functions is intended to allow it to serve across a range of maritime missions.