The Indian Navy has inducted INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) class, into active service. With an indigenous content exceeding 80 percent, the platform represents a major step toward strengthening New Delhi’s hydrographic mapping capabilities and advancing its defense industrial self-reliance goals.
The Indian Navy’s strategic maritime capacity continues to expand with the addition of this new vessel. INS Ikshak, the third ship in the Survey Vessel (Large) class, will be commissioned on November 6, 2025, at the Kochi Naval Base during an official ceremony expected to be attended by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
This commissioning highlights India’s firm commitment to enhancing independence and expertise in the field of hydrographic surveying.
High Indigenous Content and Production Process
INS Ikshak was successfully constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), based in Kolkata, under the supervision of the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata) and the Directorate of Naval Ship Production. The vessel’s indigenous content—exceeding 80 percent—marks a significant achievement in India’s ongoing efforts toward defense sector indigenization.
Multi-Role Platform: Mapping and Humanitarian Support
While its primary mission is hydrographic surveying, INS Ikshak also stands out for its versatile operational capabilities. The ship is designed to participate in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and can serve as a hospital ship in emergencies.
Bearing a name that means “guide” in Sanskrit, Ikshak embodies its role by charting the unknown to ensure safe navigation for mariners and to strengthen India’s maritime power.
Notably, it is the first ship in its class to include dedicated living quarters for female crew members, reflecting the Indian Navy’s modern and inclusive fleet vision. With the induction of this vessel, the Indian Navy is set to significantly enhance its maritime security and mapping capabilities in both regional and global waters.
