Current Affairs - Defence - Discussion

Samarthak is an indigenously built multi-purpose vessel scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy at Naval Base Karwar, Karnataka, on October 16, 2026. Developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited under the Government of India's Make in India programme, it is the first of four planned multi-purpose vessels. Samarthak is designed to perform several maritime roles, including surveillance and patrolling, low-intensity maritime operations, target deployment and testing, and support for unmanned and autonomous systems. It can also assist in humanitarian relief, firefighting, hospital support and salvage operations. Its induction will strengthen India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign defence systems.