Made in India: Navy set to induct 80% indigenous survey vessel ‘Ikshak’

The Indian Navy is set to upgrade its capacity for mapping and charting with the commissioning of the survey vessel ‘Ikshak’ (Sanskrit for ‘Guide’) on November 6.

The Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday that the ship will be formally inducted into service at the Naval Base in Kochi, the primary base for the Southern Naval Command, with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi in attendance.

Ikshak is the third ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) or SVL class and represents a major achievement for India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. The vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd in Kolkata and boasts over 80% indigenous content, showcasing successful collaboration with Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The ship is designed to conduct extensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, and navigational channels. Its core mission is to collect data crucial for ensuring safe navigation and strengthening India’s overall maritime safety framework.

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Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Ikshak features a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs). The vessel also includes a helicopter deck, giving it enhanced operational reach for multi-domain missions.

The commissioning marks a big step in the Navy’s strategic plan to modernise its survey infrastructure and secure India’s vast maritime frontiers.