The Indian Navy is set to commission Ikshak, a new hydrographic survey vessel, marking a further boost to its indigenous maritime capability. According to a press release issued Ministry of Defence on 05 November 2025, Ikshak is the third ship in the Survey Vessel (Large) class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command. The vessel will be formally commissioned at Naval Base Kochi on November 6, in the presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. in Kolkata, the vessel features more than 80 per cent indigenous content, underscoring the progress made under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The press release noted that the ship “stands as a shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding” and highlights the collaboration between GRSE and domestic MSMEs.
🌊⚓ Seek, Survey, Serve
👀 Witness a proud moment in 🇮🇳’s maritime journey.
🗓 06 Nov 2025
📍 North Jetty, Naval Base, Kochi
🕛 03:15 PM
A new-generation Hydrographic Survey Vessel – #Ikshak — joins #IndianNavy fleet, strengthening India’s capability in charting the seas with… pic.twitter.com/ZVDivEDlDx— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) November 5, 2025
Named Ikshak, meaning “Guide” in Sanskrit, the ship has been designed to conduct full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours and navigational channels. The Navy stated that the data generated from these operations will play a key role in enhancing maritime safety and supporting safe navigation across Indian waters.
It also highlighted that the ship’s modern equipment suite, include a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, a Remotely Operated Vehicle and four Survey Motor Boats. The vessel is also equipped with a helicopter deck to support extended missions and broaden operational flexibility.
The Navy described the commissioning of Ikshak as a notable step in strengthening its survey and charting infrastructure, adding that the platform symbolises “indigenous strength, technical excellence and maritime stewardship.” The press release concluded that the ship will support the nation by “charting the unknown and safeguarding India’s vast maritime frontiers.”
Recent naval inductions highlight a consistent push toward self-reliance and layered maritime capability. Key additions include INS Arnala, the first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, commissioned on June 18, 2025 with over 80 per cent indigenous content. INS Androth, the second in this class, was commissioning at Visakhapatnam on October 6, further bolstering coastal ASW strength. In the blue-water domain, INS Udaygiri, a Project-17A stealth frigate, was delivered on July 1, 2025, featuring advanced sensors, weapons, and a compressed construction timeline that underscores growing domestic expertise. Heritage and operational experimentation also continued with the induction of a reconstructed ancient stitched vessel, reinforcing maritime cultural outreach alongside modern naval capability.
This pattern illustrates three strategic pillars: strengthening littoral security through purpose-built ASW platforms; enhancing long-range power projection with technologically advanced frigates; and consolidating Aatmanirbhar Bharat momentum with high indigenous content and MSME participation. The commissioning of SVL Ikshak fits into this trajectory, expanding hydrographic and charting infrastructure while demonstrating sustained progress in indigenous shipbuilding across mission profiles of survey, anti-submarine, logistics, and frigate classes.
