Indian Navy to get another indigenous multipurpose ship built by L&T: What are its capabilities, role
Unlike conventional frontline warships designed around specific combat roles, INS Samarthak has been developed to undertake varied tasks at sea. Its capabilities include deploying and recovering aerial and surface targets for weapons training, serving as a platform for testing sensors and weapons, operating unmanned and autonomous systems, and providing towing and salvage support. The ship can also be configured for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, including conversion into a limited-capacity hospital vessel.
The commissioning marks another step in the Indian Navy’s efforts to expand its fleet of indigenously built support vessels. L&T constructed two multi-purpose vessels, INS Samarthak and INS Utkarsh, under a contract worth Rs 887 crore signed with the Defence Ministry on March 25, 2022. INS Utkarsh was launched on January 14, 2025, and is undergoing tests and sea trials before its final handover.
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INS Samarthak: A platform for multiple maritime missions
One of the vessel’s principal roles is to support the development and evaluation of weapons and sensors before they are deployed on frontline naval platforms. It can serve as a sea-based testing platform for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private-sector companies to assess technologies such as radars, sonars and missile systems.
The ship can also function as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous platforms. It is configured to launch, operate and recover unmanned surface vehicles and aerial vehicles, allowing it to support missions involving remotely operated systems.
For naval training, INS Samarthak can deploy, tow and retrieve high-speed surface and aerial targets. These can be used during gunnery exercises, air-defence training and anti-submarine warfare drills. Its ability to handle different types of targets and equipment gives the Navy a platform for conducting trials and training activities at sea.
Beyond testing and training, the vessel is designed for maritime surveillance, patrol and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). It can also undertake heavy towing, salvage operations and marine pollution response, extending its utility beyond conventional naval exercises.
Weapons, sensors and electronic warfare systems
INS Samarthak is equipped with an integrated combat suite combining indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems for operations in challenging maritime conditions.
Its listed armament includes an OTO Melara 76 mm main gun, CRN-91 30 mm automatic cannons and Stabilised Remote Controlled Gun (SRCG) systems.
For anti-submarine warfare, the vessel is equipped with Varunastra and Shyena torpedo launchers, along with RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
Its electronic warfare and countermeasure equipment includes the indigenous SANKET Mk III Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system and Kavach chaff rocket countermeasures. These systems form part of the ship’s equipment for detecting electronic emissions and responding to potential threats.
The vessel also has a flight deck with provisions to operate a HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. A Dynamic Positioning System is designed to help it maintain a precise position at sea, supporting operations that require the ship to remain at a designated location.
L&T delivered INS Samarthak to the Indian Navy on September 1, 2026.
INS Samarthak: Technical specifications
The vessel’s key specifications are:
- Displacement: 3,750 tonnes
- Length: 107 metres
- Beam: 18.6 metres
- Maximum speed: 15 knots
- Operational range: 4,500 nautical miles
- Crew capacity: 116 personnel, including eight officers
These specifications provide the vessel with the capacity to support extended maritime operations while accommodating its crew and mission-related equipment.
Disaster relief, medical support and salvage operations
INS Samarthak’s role extends to humanitarian assistance and emergency response. It can be configured to support HADR missions, including operations following natural disasters or other emergencies that require assistance at sea or along coastal areas. The vessel can also be converted into a limited-capacity hospital ship.
Its towing and salvage capabilities provide additional support during maritime emergencies, while its ability to respond to marine pollution can help protect the marine environment.
The vessel’s combination of testing, training, surveillance, autonomous-system support and humanitarian functions is intended to allow the Navy to deploy it according to operational requirements rather than restrict it to a single mission.
Crest and motto of INS Samarthak
The ship’s crest depicts an Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility. Its motto, “विजयार्थम् एकनिष्ठता”, translates to “Victory is Our Sole Aim”.
With INS Samarthak joining the fleet, the Navy is adding a platform designed to support both operational requirements and the testing of emerging maritime technologies. Its sister vessel, INS Utkarsh, is undergoing trials ahead of delivery, completing the two-ship project undertaken by L&T under the Rs 887-crore contract.
