Indian Navy Commissions INS Samarthak Multi Purpose Vessel

#GS-3 #Science & Technology #Defence #Current Events #National #Aatmanirbhar Bharat #Indian Navy

Key takeaways

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Samarthak, the lead ship of the indigenously designed Multi-Purpose Vessels class built by L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli.
Measuring 107 metres in length, the vessel features over 75% indigenous content developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
It serves as a dynamic testbed for developmental radars, sonars, and weapons while acting as a mothership for UAVs and autonomous underwater vehicles.
The multi-role platform can be quickly converted into a hospital ship to deliver HADR humanitarian assistance during maritime emergencies.

The Indian Navy recently commissioned INS Samarthak into its fleet.
This vessel is the lead ship of a new class of indigenously designed Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs).

INS Samarthak is a 107-metre auxiliary vessel designed to handle non-combat fleet duties, test weapons, and support autonomous systems.
Private shipbuilder L&T Shipyard designed and constructed the vessel at its Kattupalli facility.
The main objective is to provide a reliable platform for testing sensors, supporting the fleet, and conducting surveillance at low operational costs.
Using this auxiliary vessel for routine tasks protects main frontline warships from unnecessary machinery wear and tear.

The vessel contains over 75% indigenous content and used advanced modular construction techniques to speed up shipbuilding under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
It features dynamic positioning systems that allow naval engineers to test new radars, sonars, and missile systems at sea before induction.
The ship acts as a launch and recovery platform for autonomous underwater vehicles, surface vessels, and UAVs.
It can tow and retrieve aerial and surface targets to assist in gunnery shoots and anti-submarine warfare training exercises.
The platform supports offshore patrol, salvage operations, firefighting, and quick setup as a hospital ship for HADR disaster relief missions.

The successful delivery highlights the capacity of private shipyards to build complex naval ships, boosting local defence manufacturing.
By taking over secondary support roles, it keeps frontline combat warships ready for core security duties across the Indian Ocean.