The Indian Navy commissioned its first Multi-Purpose Vessel INS Samarthak at Naval Base, Karwar on October 16, 2026. Built by Larsen and Toubro, the MPV can conduct weapon trials, MCM and act as a mothership for uncrewed assets.
INS Samarthak (A 10) is the first of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) being inducted into the Indian Navy. The two ships were ordered in March 2022 for ₹887 crore (then $120 million) and their keels were laid in March 2023. Two more vessels are cleared to be ordered.
The MPV is described by the MoD as an “ideal utility ship for strategically important operations”. Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, the MPVs are also capable of undertaking Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Target Deployment & Trials Platform, Unmanned/ autonomous System Mothership, HADR operations, conversion to a limited hospital ship and firefighting for salvage operations. The low cost class will free up frontline surface combatants from such auxiliary roles.
It has over 75% indigenous content and includes an integrated combat suite combining indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems. However, the ship appears devoid of any visible weaponry based on available images. Mockups and renders show a bow area capable of hosting diverse armament, including:
- Naval gun systems: A 76 mm gun, 40 mm CIWS, 30 mm guns and 12.7 mm machine guns.
- Torpedoes: Twin-tube heavyweight and triple-tube lightweight torpedo launchers.
- Decoys and rockets: Kavach chaff launchers and RBU-6000 based indigenous rocket launcher.
Of these, Samarthak has provisions in the bow for at least two gun systems and other launchers. More armament may be fitted based on mission and testing requirements. However, the MPVs are not expected to serve as combatants and not all of the aforementioned armaments will be fitted together on the vessel. Various radars and sonars can also be equipped on the vessel for testing. Multiple fire hydrants are visible on the superstructure.
The diesel engine powered vessel has a maximum speed of 15 knots. The MPVs are 107 meters long with a displacement of about 3,700 tons. The class will have an endurance of over 4,500 nautical miles at 10 knots. The vessels can conduct launch and recovery of aerial and subsurface targets. For precision control during complex marine manoeuvres, the ship is equipped with state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning System.
The most notable role of the MPVs will be their utilization as motherships for uncrewed aerial, surface and subsurface platforms. Its large flight deck, and stern mounted crane are suited for such operations. The MPVs will also be utilised in the mine countermeasures role, acting as a mothership for MCM USVs and UUVs. The Indian Navy currently operates no MCMVs and efforts to acquire 12 such ships have faced delays for decades.
INS Samarthak is the first major inducted warship built by L&T. Historically, India’s state-owned shipyards have dominated construction of warships. L&T is no stranger to shipbuilding and has been involved as a subcontractor for major projects like the SSBNs, ASW SWC, Survey Vessel Large and the Fleet Support Ship. It had unsuccessfully bid for Project-75I SSKs with Navantia and the two firms are now collaborating to offer LHDs for the Indian Navy. The firm also has designed a midget submarine for special forces.
Adding to the Indian Navy’s recent commissioning momentum, on October 12 INS Mangrol, the third of eight Mahe-class ASW SWC by CSL, was commissioned. Four of the eight Arnala class ASW SWC by GRSE are currently in service.
