Samarthak: Navy to commission first Multi-Purpose Vessel on 16 Oct
Why in the news
The Ministry of Defence announced on 13 October 2026 that the Indian Navy will commission Samarthak, its first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), at Naval Base, Karwar, on 16 October 2026.
Key facts
- Samarthak: first of four MPVs being inducted into the Navy.
- Builder: Larsen & Toubro Ltd, under the Make in India initiative.
- Venue: Naval Base, Karwar.
- Combat suite: indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems integrated for tough sea conditions.
- Crest: an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, standing for strength, intelligence and agility.
- Motto: ‘Vijayartham Ekanishthata’ – ‘Victory is Our Sole Aim’.
Roles of the vessel
| Type | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Primary | Maritime surveillance and patrol |
| Operations | Low-intensity maritime operations |
| Trials | Target deployment and trials platform |
| Technology | Mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems |
| Relief | Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), limited hospital ship, salvage |
About Multi-Purpose Vessels
Multi-Purpose Vessels are designed to handle a wide range of support and patrol jobs from a single hull. The Navy describes Samarthak as a future utility ship. Built under Make in India with an indigenous combat suite, it supports self-reliance in defence shipbuilding. It can also carry out salvage operations and be converted into a limited hospital ship when needed.
Exam angle
- Samarthak: first of four MPVs, built by L&T.
- Commissioning place: Naval Base, Karwar; date: 16 October 2026.
- Can serve as a mothership for unmanned systems and as a limited hospital ship.