Indian Navy to commission indigenous survey ship ‘Ikshak’ at Kochi

New Delhi, Nov 5: The Indian Navy will commission Ikshak, the third vessel in its Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, at a ceremony at the Naval Base in Kochi on November 6, 2025.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K.

Tripathi will preside over the event. The ship will be the first of its class to be based at the Southern Naval Command. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, Ikshak reflects India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding, featuring more than 80% indigenous content.

Named after the Sanskrit word for “Guide,” Ikshak is designed to conduct comprehensive hydrographic and oceanographic surveys in coastal and deep-sea areas.

The vessel will generate critical data for safe navigation, aiding in the development of ports, harbours, and navigational routes, and strengthening India’s maritime safety network. The ship is equipped with advanced technology, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs). It also features a helicopter deck, enhancing its operational flexibility for multi-domain missions.