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Indian Navy's Ikshak: 80% Indigenous Survey Vessel Commissioned in Kochi

The Indian Navy is commissioning its new survey vessel Ikshak in Kochi on November 6. This marks the third ship in the Survey Vessel Large class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command. Built with over 80% indigenous content by Garden Reach Shipbuilders, it represents India's growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The vessel will conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys to enhance maritime safety and navigation security.

Key Points: Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Ikshak Survey Vessel

  • Third ship of Survey Vessel Large class with 80% indigenous content
  • Designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys
  • Equipped with advanced autonomous underwater vehicles
  • Features helicopter deck for extended operational reach
2 min read

Indian Navy to commission 'Ikshak,' 80 per cent indigenous survey vessel, on November 6

Indian Navy commissions Ikshak, an 80% indigenous survey vessel, enhancing hydrographic capabilities and maritime safety under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

"The vessel embodies over 80 per cent indigenous content, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, Nov 5 

The Indian Navy is poised to enhance 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 said on Wednesday.  

According to a release by the MoD, the ship will be formally commissioned into service in the presence of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, at a ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi, on November 6, 2025.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, Ikshak stands as a shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding.

“The vessel embodies over 80 per cent indigenous content, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and collaborative synergy between GRSE and Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” the MoD said.

“The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, aptly defines the ship’s role as a sentinel of precision and purpose,” it added.

The vessel is designed to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. The data generated will be vital for ensuring safe navigation at sea, strengthening India’s maritime safety framework.

Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs), Ikshak brings unmatched versatility and capability to the Navy’s hydrographic fleet.

Notably, the ship is also fitted with a helicopter deck, extending its operational reach and enabling multi-domain missions.

The commissioning of Ikshak marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to augment its survey and charting infrastructure.

As a symbol of indigenous strength, technical excellence and maritime stewardship, Ikshak is ready to serve the nation — charting the unknown and safeguarding India’s vast maritime frontiers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see Southern Naval Command getting this advanced vessel. Kochi is becoming a major naval hub. The equipment list is impressive - AUV, ROV, and helicopter capability! 🚢
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the indigenous achievement, I hope the remaining 20% foreign components don't create dependency issues. We should aim for 100% self-reliance in critical defense equipment.
M
Meera T
The involvement of MSMEs is the real success story here. Small industries getting defense contracts creates jobs and boosts local economy. Kudos to GRSE for this collaboration!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows naval developments, this is a significant capability enhancement. Hydrographic surveys are crucial for maritime security and safe navigation in our strategic waters.
V
Vikram M
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Our Navy deserves the best equipment. Good to see indigenous technology matching global standards. The Sanskrit name adds cultural pride to our naval tradition.
D
David E
Impressive technological capabilities - multi-beam echo sounder, autonomous vehicles, and helicopter operations. This will significantly enhance India's maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean region.

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