UPSC CSE | GS PAPER III – DEFENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1. IN NEWS
On 16 October 2026, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, an indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Naval Base Karwar, Karnataka. The ceremony was attended by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
2. KEY FACTS
- Vessel: INS Samarthak
- Type: Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV)
- Built by: Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Location: Karwar, Karnataka
- Initiatives: Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- Project: First of four Multi-Purpose Vessels planned for induction into the Indian Navy.
3. MAJOR CAPABILITIES
- Maritime Surveillance: Supports monitoring and patrol operations at sea.
- Naval Trials: Acts as a platform for target deployment and testing naval systems.
- Unmanned Systems: Can serve as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems.
- Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO): Supports designated maritime security operations.
- Disaster Relief: Can assist in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- Other Roles: Designed to support salvage operations and possible conversion into a limited hospital ship.
4. INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY
INS Samarthak features an integrated combat suite combining indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems. Its construction supports domestic shipbuilding and greater participation by Indian industry in defence manufacturing.
5. STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE
- Defence Self-Reliance: Strengthens India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.
- Maritime Security: Supports surveillance and patrol requirements.
- Technology Development: Provides a platform for evaluating naval equipment and unmanned systems.
- Disaster Response: Adds flexibility for humanitarian and emergency missions.
- Private-Sector Participation: Demonstrates the role of Indian shipyards in naval construction.
6. CHALLENGES AHEAD
- Reducing shipbuilding timelines and costs.
- Ensuring reliability of indigenous systems.
- Integrating unmanned technologies safely.
- Maintaining readiness across multiple mission types.
- Strengthening domestic supply chains for advanced defence components.
7. PRELIMS QUICK FACTS
- INS: Indian Naval Ship.
- MPV: Multi-Purpose Vessel.
- LIMO: Low-Intensity Maritime Operations.
- HADR: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
- Karwar: Naval base in Karnataka.
- Make in India: Initiative launched in 2014 to promote manufacturing in India.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Initiative promoting self-reliance across sectors, including defence.
8. UPSC MAINS QUESTION
Q. How can indigenous defence manufacturing strengthen India’s maritime security and strategic autonomy? Discuss the role of public-private partnerships. (150 words)
CONCLUSION
INS Samarthak represents a step towards stronger indigenous naval capabilities. Its long-term contribution will depend on reliable technology, timely construction, effective training and successful integration into naval operations.
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