Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 5: The Indian Navy is set to strengthen its hydrographic survey capabilities with the commissioning of Ikshak, the third ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command, the Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday.

The vessel will be formally inducted into service at a ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi, on November 6, 2025, in the presence of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, Ikshak showcases India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding. The Ministry highlighted that the vessel features over 80% indigenous content, developed through collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Named ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, the ship is designed to serve as a sentinel of precision, carrying out coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. The data it collects will play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation and bolstering India’s maritime safety framework.

Equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems, Ikshak boasts a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs). A helicopter deck further expands its operational versatility, enabling multi-domain missions.

The commissioning of Ikshak marks a key milestone in the Navy’s efforts to upgrade its survey and charting infrastructure, symbolizing indigenous capability, technical excellence, and maritime stewardship. The vessel is poised to chart unexplored waters and safeguard India’s extensive maritime frontiers.