The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Ikshak, an indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large), at the Naval Base in Kochi on 6th November 2025. The ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, marking a significant step in India’s ongoing naval modernization and self-reliance efforts.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Ikshak is the third ship in a series of four Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ships. It includes over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India’s strides under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
True to its name — Ikshak, meaning “The Guide” — the vessel represents not only advanced maritime capability but also a progressive shift in naval inclusivity. It is the first Indian Navy survey vessel to feature dedicated living quarters for women officers and sailors, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive service environments.
Measuring 110 meters in length and 16 meters in width, INS Ikshak has a displacement of 3,400 tons. Powered by twin diesel engines in a twin-shaft configuration, the ship can cruise at 14 knots and reach a maximum speed of 18 knots. It accommodates 231 personnel, carries four survey motorboats, and supports helicopter operations.
Equipped with a range of cutting-edge hydrographic and oceanographic systems — including a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS-based long-range positioning systems, and digital side-scan sonar — the ship is designed to conduct comprehensive coastal and deep-water surveys. These capabilities enable it to produce high-precision nautical charts and data critical for safe navigation, port development, undersea cable projects, and maritime security operations.
Beyond its primary hydrographic role, INS Ikshak is equipped to operate as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform. During national emergencies, it can serve as a floating hospital and relief vessel, equipped with medical facilities, rescue equipment, and storage for essential supplies.
The induction of INS Ikshak is part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to replace aging survey vessels and enhance its hydrographic data collection capabilities. Its surveys will directly support both defense and commercial maritime infrastructure, contributing to India’s growing influence as a maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.
By combining technological sophistication, indigenous craftsmanship, and social inclusivity, INS Ikshak stands as a symbol of India’s evolving naval identity — modern, self-reliant, and inclusive.
As the ship sets sail from Kochi, it carries not just equipment and personnel, but the spirit of a new India — one that charts its own course, both at sea and in society.
