Context:
Indian Navy commissioned the new Survey Vessel (Large) class ship, ‘Ikshak’, at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
About INS Ikshak:
Ikshak is the third of four large survey vessels (SVL-class) being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content, in line with the government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
· The vessel is designed for full-scale hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels to ensure safe maritime navigation.
· It is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), capable of scanning to depths of up to 11,000 meters.
Role and Operational Capabilities:
The primary role of INS Ikshak is to conduct hydrographic surveys, ensuring:
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- Safe navigation for commercial and naval vessels.
- Production of accurate nautical charts and electronic navigation charts (ENCs).
- Support for defence operations, coastal security, and maritime resource management.
- Environmental and oceanographic data collection for maritime research and disaster response.
- Safe navigation for commercial and naval vessels.
The vessel’s capabilities will significantly enhance India’s maritime domain awareness and contribute to regional safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strategic significance:
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- Enhances India’s ability to chart maritime zones, contributing to safe shipping and port development.
- Strengthens India’s maritime infrastructure and supports the Navy’s blue-water aspirations.
- Supports India’s leadership in Hydrographic Cooperation within the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with the country’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
- Enhances India’s ability to chart maritime zones, contributing to safe shipping and port development.
About Survey Vessel (Large) Class:
The Survey Vessel (Large) class comprises four ships — Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, Ikshak, and Sanshodhak.
· Each vessel is around 110 meters long and displaces approximately 3,400 tonnes, with advanced sensors, automated systems, and improved endurance.
Conclusion:
The commissioning of INS Ikshak represents a major stride in India’s self-reliant naval capability. By integrating advanced technology with indigenous manufacturing, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime infrastructure, ensuring both strategic readiness and safe navigation across the vast sea frontiers of the nation.
