Indian Navy To Enhance Hydrographic Survey Strength With Commissioning Of INS Ikshak

The Indian Navy will commission INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, at a ceremony to be held at Naval Base Kochi on Thursday (6 November).

The event will be presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

Built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Ikshak represents a major achievement in India’s drive toward self-reliance in shipbuilding, featuring over 80 per cent indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The vessel is the first SVL-class ship to be based at the Southern Naval Command.

The vessel will undertake coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels—data that are vital for safe navigation and maritime operations.

Fitted with cutting-edge hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs), Ikshak also features a helicopter deck for extended operational capability.

The commissioning of Ikshak marks a significant step in the Navy’s effort to expand its survey and charting infrastructure, reinforcing India’s maritime domain awareness and showcasing its growing indigenous shipbuilding excellence.

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