In a significant boost to India’s maritime capabilities, INS Ikshak, the latest survey vessel of the Indian Navy, was commissioned at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi. The addition of this advanced ship enhances the Navy’s hydrographic survey capacity, strengthening India’s presence across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and supporting both defence and civil maritime interests.
The Legacy of INS Ikshak
The name “Ikshak” has a proud history in the Indian Navy. The previous INS Ikshak served the nation for decades, charting vast maritime zones and contributing to countless survey missions. The new ship carries forward that legacy with cutting-edge technology, refined design, and greater operational endurance, ensuring India continues to lead in regional hydrographic excellence.
Built Under ‘Make in India’ Initiative
The new INS Ikshak is a product of the Indian Navy’s commitment to self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilding, the vessel represents the synergy between Indian public and private shipyards.
It is part of the four-ship Sandhayak-class survey vessels (Large). These ships are designed and built completely in India, with over 80% indigenous content—a testament to the country’s growing maritime industrial strength.
Technical Specifications and Features
INS Ikshak is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic survey equipment. The ship can perform detailed coastal and deep-water surveys, including harbour surveys and nautical charting to update navigational charts and publications.
Key features include:
- Advanced multi-beam echo sounders for precise seabed mapping
- Automated data collection and processing systems
- Sensors for measuring oceanographic parameters such as temperature, salinity, and currents
- Unmanned survey boats and aerial drones for nearshore operations
Improved propulsion and endurance capabilities for extended missions
With these advanced systems, the ship can support a range of naval operations including submarine route planning, harbour construction, and disaster relief efforts.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Dominance
The commissioning of INS Ikshak is more than an addition to the Navy’s inventory—it is a strategic step toward ensuring safer navigation and asserting India’s role as the primary maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region. Accurate hydrographic data is not just vital for naval operations but also for commercial shipping, port development, and marine resource exploration.With the Indian Navy conducting hydrographic surveys for several friendly nations, Ikshak will further deepen maritime diplomacy and cooperation with partner countries, reinforcing India’s image as a reliable maritime security provider.
Modern Training and Sustainable Operations
INS Ikshak will also serve as a valuable training platform for naval hydrographers and sailors. The ship’s design incorporates modern crew comfort standards and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact. The use of green technologies and optimized power management aligns with the Navy’s focus on sustainability and operational efficiency.
A Step Toward the Future
Commissioning INS Ikshak marks another milestone in the Indian Navy’s modernization journey. By combining indigenous innovation, world-class technology, and strategic foresight, this vessel ensures that India continues to safeguard its maritime frontiers while contributing to global maritime safety.As the ship sails from Kochi into the vast waters, it symbolizes India’s confidence, self-reliance, and enduring maritime spirit.
