New Delhi: The Indian Navy is preparing to induct Ikshak, an advanced hydrographic survey vessel that strengthens the country’s maritime mapping and charting capabilities. The ship will be commissioned at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on 6 November, marking the entry of the third vessel in the Survey Vessel Large class.
Ikshak has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata and features a high level of indigenous content, reflecting India’s push toward greater self reliance in defence manufacturing. Officials noted that more than 80 percent of the vessel’s components and systems have been sourced from within the country through a network of domestic industries and specialised suppliers.
The name Ikshak, which means guide in Sanskrit, signals the ship’s primary mission. It is designed to conduct detailed hydrographic surveys of coastal waters, ports, harbours and major shipping routes. The information collected will support safe navigation, improve maritime infrastructure planning and contribute to the overall security framework across India’s coastline.
The ship carries advanced hydrographic and oceanographic technology, including a high resolution multi beam echo sounder, an autonomous underwater vehicle, a remotely operated vehicle and four survey motor boats. These assets give Ikshak the capability to operate across a range of depths and conditions. A helicopter deck further enhances its operational flexibility by supporting extended missions and logistics support.
The commissioning of Ikshak is part of the Navy’s broader effort to modernise and expand its hydrographic fleet. With maritime activity increasing around the Indian coastline, the demand for accurate charts and updated seabed data has grown significantly. Ikshak will play a central role in meeting that requirement.
Navy officials see the upcoming induction as a major boost to India’s survey capability and as another step forward in the country’s ongoing transition toward indigenous shipbuilding. The vessel is expected to become an important asset in safeguarding sea routes and supporting national maritime interests.
