The Indian Navy is set to commission two new vessels, INS Samarthak and INS Mangrol, strengthening indigenous weapons testing and anti-submarine warfare close to India’s coastline. INS Samarthak, built by Larsen and Toubro, is the Navy’s first Multi-Purpose Vessel and the lead ship of a two-vessel class, according to Indian Defence News. The ship is designed primarily as a dedicated trials and evaluation platform. It will allow the Navy to test indigenous weapons, sensors and anti-submarine warfare systems without diverting frontline warships from operational duties. The 107-metre ship, delivered in August, has more than 75 per cent indigenous content. INS Mangrol is the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard. Delivered on August 21, it has over 80 per cent indigenous content and is equipped for underwater surveillance, coastal anti-submarine operations and mine warfare. Its induction comes amid growing underwater military activity in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan’s expansion of its submarine fleet with Chinese-origin Hangor-class boats. The Navy has flagged anti-submarine warfare as a major operational priority.