Kochi/New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission its indigenously built survey vessel INS Ikshak at the Naval Base in Kochi on December 6, marking another milestone in India’s journey towards naval self-reliance and technological advancement.
The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, in the presence of senior naval officers and officials from the Ministry of Defence.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, INS Ikshak is the third vessel in the Survey Vessel (Large) class and a significant step in India’s ongoing effort to modernize its hydrographic survey capabilities. The vessel boasts more than 80 percent indigenous components, showcasing the Navy’s firm commitment to the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
#IndianNavy’s indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large), Ikshak, set to be commissioned at Naval Base Kochi on 6th November 2025
The ceremony will be presided over by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, marking the formal induction of the vessel
The commissioning… pic.twitter.com/r0Q05dhOe3
— PIB India (@PIB_India) October 27, 2025
INS Ikshak: Modern Features and Capabilities
INS Ikshak has been designed to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys of coastal and deep-sea areas to support navigation, maritime infrastructure, and defence operations. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including advanced sonar, positioning, and data processing technologies.
The 110-metre-long vessel displaces around 3,400 tons and can reach speeds up to 18 knots. It is capable of deploying autonomous underwater vehicles and survey launches for multi-dimensional mapping and seabed analysis.
Dual-Role Platform
Apart from its survey role, INS Ikshak will serve as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform and can function as a hospital ship during natural disasters or emergencies. This dual-use capability enhances the Navy’s operational flexibility and response capacity in times of crisis.
Notably, the vessel is the first large survey ship with dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s focus on inclusivity and gender integration within its ranks.
Strategic Significance
The commissioning of INS Ikshak strengthens India’s maritime survey and research fleet, improving the Navy’s ability to map the ocean floor, chart navigational channels, and enhance maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.
With this induction, the Navy continues to expand its fleet of modern, indigenously built ships, reinforcing India’s vision of becoming a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.
