Why in news?
The Indian Navy announced that its latest survey vessel, INS Ikshak, will be commissioned on 6 November 2025 at Naval Base Kochi. The ship is the third in a series of indigenously designed and built hydrographic survey vessels and boasts over 80 percent indigenous content.
Background
INS Ikshak belongs to the Sandhayak-class survey vessels, which replace older ships used for hydrographic surveying. These ships map sea-beds, harbours and coastal waters to support safe navigation and maritime operations. Ikshak was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. It was laid down in August 2021, launched in November 2022 and delivered to the Navy in August 2025. The vessel reflects India's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative by incorporating high levels of indigenous technology.
Key points
- Design and capabilities: INS Ikshak is 110 m long with a displacement of around 3,400 tonnes. It can achieve speeds up to 18 knots and has a range of 6,500 nautical miles at cruising speed. The vessel carries advanced hydrographic sensors, including multi-beam echo-sounders, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for detailed ocean mapping. A flight deck accommodates a Dhruv helicopter for aerial surveys and search-and-rescue tasks.
- Dual role: In addition to survey operations, the ship can act as a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief platform or hospital ship during emergencies. It also meets Marine Pollution (MARPOL) compliance standards and naval regulations.
- Inclusivity: INS Ikshak is the first survey vessel class with dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy's commitment to gender-inclusive operations.
- Strategic importance: Accurate hydrographic data is vital for safe navigation, naval operations, submarine deployment and maritime boundary delimitation. The commissioning of Ikshak enhances India's capability to chart its vast coastline and build capacity for regional cooperation.
Conclusion
By commissioning INS Ikshak, the Indian Navy strengthens its survey fleet with a modern, versatile vessel built largely in India. The ship will support maritime safety, environmental monitoring and disaster relief while embodying indigenous design and inclusivity.