Indian Navy to Commission ‘Ikshak’ | 06 Nov 2025

Why in News?

The Indian Navy will commission INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, at Naval Base Kochi.

Key Points

  • About the Vessel:

    • The name Ikshak means "Guide," which perfectly matches the ship's job of accurately mapping and navigating the seas.

    • It is the first SVL-class vessel to be based at the Southern Naval Command (Kochi).

    • Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, the vessel features over 80% indigenous content.

  • Role and Functions:

    • Designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels.

    • The vessel’s survey data will aid safe maritime navigation, port management, and marine resource assessment.

    • It enhances India’s capability to produce accurate nautical charts, supporting both civil and military maritime operations.

Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] Class

  • The Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class project was launched to modernise India’s hydrographic survey fleet and replace ageing Sandhayak-class vessels.
  • A total of four ships are part of this class — INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, INS Ikshak, and INS Sanshodhak (under construction).
  • These vessels are being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • They are designed to conduct hydrographic, oceanographic, and cartographic surveys to produce navigational charts and support both civil and defence maritime operations.