Patanjali Civil Services Academy

INS Samarthak

Tags: Prelims Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: First of two indigenous multi-purpose vessels built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) commissioned into the Indian Navy at Karwar, Karnataka.
Indigenous Content: Over 75%.
Primary Role: Testing, evaluation and training of indigenous sensors and weapons.
Other Roles: Maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling and disaster relief.
Significance: Strengthens indigenous defence technology validation and private-sector participation in shipbuilding.
Karwar Naval Base: Located in Karnataka; part of Project Seabird, aimed at developing a major Indian Navy base on the western coast.

Q1. With reference to INS Samarthak and India's maritime capabilities, consider the following statements:

INS Samarthak is an indigenous multi-purpose vessel designed, among other roles, to test and evaluate indigenous sensors and weapons.
Project Seabird is associated with the development of a major Indian Navy base at Karwar on India's western coast.
The commissioning of INS Samarthak reflects the participation of Indian private-sector shipbuilders in naval shipbuilding.
Multi-purpose naval vessels are exclusively designed for combat operations and cannot be used for disaster relief or maritime surveillance.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 1, 2 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: INS Samarthak supports testing, evaluation and training involving indigenous sensors and weapons.
Statement 2 is correct: Project Seabird aims to develop a major naval base at Karwar, Karnataka.
Statement 3 is correct: The vessel was built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), highlighting private-sector participation in indigenous defence manufacturing.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Multi-purpose vessels can undertake surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling and disaster-relief duties in addition to their primary functions.