 |
| INS Ikshak, India’s New Survey Vessel |
The Indian Navy’s newest survey vessel, INS Ikshak, has been commissioned into service at the Naval Base Kochi on Thursday, marking another milestone in India’s march toward maritime self-reliance. The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, who hailed the ship as a symbol of indigenous excellence and a beacon for the Navy’s future hydrographic capabilities.
INS Ikshak is the third vessel in the indigenously designed and built Survey Vessel (Large) class, following INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the ship boasts over 80% indigenous content, underscoring India’s growing prowess in naval shipbuilding under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Such niche capabilities make these vessels a Survey Platform of Choice—not only for us, but also for our maritime partners across the region and beyond,” Admiral Tripathi said, highlighting the Navy’s expanding role in regional maritime cooperation. “In the last year alone, our survey ships have rendered hydrographic assistance from Mauritius to Vietnam, reinforcing India’s commitment to shared growth and maritime prosperity.”
A Leap in Hydrographic Capability
Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, INS Ikshak is designed to conduct both coastal and deep-water surveys critical for safe navigation and maritime domain awareness. Its advanced equipment suite includes a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs).
The vessel also features a helicopter deck, significantly extending its operational reach for survey and multi-domain missions. In line with the Navy’s commitment to inclusivity, Ikshak is the first Survey Vessel (Large) designed with dedicated women’s accommodation, symbolising the evolving face of India’s maritime forces.
Dual Role for a Modern Navy
Beyond its core survey functions, INS Ikshak has been built with a dual-role capability, allowing it to serve as a platform for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. During crises, it can be quickly converted into a hospital ship, providing vital support in times of natural disasters or emergencies at sea.
Carrying Forward a Proud Legacy
The commissioning of Ikshak follows closely on the heels of the lead ship, INS Sandhayak, which was commissioned in February 2024 and has already completed a significant regional deployment to Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These missions have showcased India’s growing expertise in hydrography and indigenous ship design.संरक्षण पुरवठादार
As the tenth platform commissioned by the Navy this year, INS Ikshak represents not just another addition to the fleet but a strategic investment in India’s maritime safety, diplomacy, and resilience.
“INS Ikshak stands as a shining example of what we can achieve through collaboration between the Navy, Indian industry, and MSMEs,” Admiral Tripathi said. “It embodies our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and self-reliance.”
Southern Naval Command Asset
With Ikshak now charting her course from Kochi under the Southern Naval Command – the first of its kind vessel to be based at this command – India’s capacity to map, secure, and safeguard its vast maritime domain sails stronger than ever.
