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The commissioning of INS Ikshak marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime capability enhancement and defence indigenisation. As the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) – SVL (Sandhayak) class, Ikshak represents a major boost to the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey and charting infrastructure, which is critical for maritime safety, naval operations, and the blue economy.

Background and Commissioning

INS Ikshak is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on 6 November 2025 at Naval Base, Kochi, in the presence of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. Notably, it will be the first SVL-class ship to be based at the Southern Naval Command, enhancing hydrographic coverage in India’s southern maritime domain.

The vessel has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, one of India’s premier defence public sector shipyards. With over 80% indigenous content, Ikshak stands as a concrete outcome of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, achieved through close collaboration between GRSE and a large network of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The name Ikshak, meaning “Guide” in Sanskrit, symbolically reflects the ship’s role in guiding safe navigation and charting uncharted or poorly mapped waters.

Design, Specifications and Capabilities

INS Ikshak is a technologically advanced hydrographic survey vessel designed for full-scale coastal and deep-water surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. With a length of about 110 metres, a displacement of around 3,300 tonnes, and accommodation for over 230 personnel, the ship is built for long-duration and complex survey missions.

The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including:

• High-resolution multi-beam echo sounder and side-scan sonar for seabed mapping,
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of operating up to 1,000 m depth with extended endurance,
• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for underwater inspection,
• Four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs) for shallow-water and near-shore surveys.

In addition, Ikshak features a helicopter deck, enhancing its operational reach for logistics, surveillance, and multi-domain missions. It is powered by diesel engines with an Integrated Platform Management System, bow and stern thrusters for precision manoeuvring, and a maximum speed of about 18 knots.

A unique feature of the SVL class is its dual-use capability. INS Ikshak can be converted into a 40-bed hospital ship, equipped with an operation theatre, laboratory, blood bank, and isolation wards, making it highly valuable for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Strategic and Economic Significance

The commissioning of INS Ikshak significantly strengthens India’s hydrographic excellence. Accurate hydrographic data and nautical charts are vital for:

• Safe navigation of commercial and naval vessels,
• Port and harbour development,
• Coastal security and naval planning,
• Seabed mapping for undersea cables, offshore energy, and marine resources.

The data generated by Ikshak will support the National Hydrographic Office and also contribute to India’s role as a regional hydrographic service provider, assisting friendly countries such as Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

From a strategic perspective, the ship enhances maritime domain awareness and underpins India’s ability to operate effectively across its vast maritime frontiers. From an economic standpoint, it supports the Blue Economy, facilitating sustainable use of ocean resources, port-led development, and marine infrastructure expansion.