INS Ikshak Joins Indian Navy, Boosts India’s Ocean Mapping Capabilities
Kochi: Strengthening India’s maritime surveillance and hydrographic capabilities, the Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned its latest indigenously built survey vessel, INS Ikshak, at the Southern Naval Command. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi led the commissioning ceremony.
Indian Navy commissions INS Ikshak, third SVL-class vessel, at Kochi. 80% indigenous, with AUV, ROV, and helicopter deck for hydrographic surveys and disaster relief. @ankitatIIMA pic.twitter.com/HuICYQ7VUZ
— AnilKhatri🇮🇳 (@anilkhatri005) November 6, 2025
Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessel is the third in the Survey Vessel (Large) series and features over 80% indigenous components — a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
INS Ikshak is a hydrographic survey vessel commissioned by the Indian Navy.
The @DefenceMinIndia informs that Ikshak will enhance the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey capabilities along with the third vessel of the Survey Vessel class and the first to be based at the Southern… pic.twitter.com/sEou0600tZ
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 6, 2025
Named after the Sanskrit word for “Guide,” INS Ikshak comes fitted with state-of-the-art hydrographic and ocean mapping technologies including multi-beam sonars, data acquisition systems, and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. It will undertake deep-sea and coastal surveys, improve navigational safety, and aid maritime operations across India’s sea routes.
The first in its class to be based in Kochi, INS Ikshak is expected to significantly bolster the Navy’s ability to chart the nation’s strategic maritime frontiers.
