INS Samarthak: India’s First Indigenous MPV
Defence · Friday, 28 August 2026
The Indian Navy has received Samarthak, a 3,750-tonne Multi-Purpose Vessel built by L&T. It serves as a versatile platform for weapon trials, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian relief in the Indian Ocean Region.
Quick highlights
- Built by L&T at Kattupalli shipyard, Tamil Nadu.
- Dedicated testbed for DRDO's next-gen radars and sensors.
- Capable of deploying and recovering UAVs, USVs, and UUVs.
- Fitted for pollution control, oceanic towing, and HADR missions.
- Displaces approx. 3,750 tonnes.
Context
Samarthak is the lead ship of a new class of Multi-Purpose Vessels designed to handle auxiliary tasks, freeing frontline warships for combat duties.
Significance
The vessel boasts over 75% indigenous content, showcasing India's private sector capacity in shipbuilding under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' mission.
Exam Angle
GS Paper III: Indigenization of technology and security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Prelims: L&T Kattupalli, MPV role, and indigenous content percentage.
Remember this
- Vessel Class: Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
- Name: Samarthak (The Proponent).
- Builder: Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
- Indigenous content: >75%.
- Displacement: 3,750 tonnes.