Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Indian Navy Commissions INS Ikshak, a New Hydrographic Survey Vessel
The Indian Navy has a new ship called INS Ikshak, which means 'The Guide'.
Its job is to explore and map the ocean floor, just like a mapmaker explores land.
This helps ships, both for trading and for the Navy, to travel safely.
By understanding the depth of the water, what the seabed is like, and any hidden dangers, submarines can move more easily, and naval forces can better plan their operations.
The ship also helps in understanding how sound travels underwater, which is important for detecting other submarines.
Besides its main job, INS Ikshak can also help people during disasters and act as a floating hospital.
This ship is built in India and is part of India's growing capability in maritime technology.
It helps make the seas more predictable and safe for everyone.
The Indian Navy commissioned the INS Ikshak, a Naval Hydrographic survey vessel, on Thursday, November 6, at Kochi Naval Base.
INS Ikshak's primary role is to collect data on ocean depth, tides, currents, and seabed composition to ensure safe navigation and support naval operations.
The data gathered by INS Ikshak enhances Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), aiding in anti-submarine warfare and the strategic placement of underwater sensors.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), INS Ikshak is the third ship of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class and measures 110 meters in length.
Beyond hydrographic surveys, the vessel is equipped for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and can serve as a hospital ship.
- Who
- The Indian Navy
- What
- Commissioned INS Ikshak, a new Naval Hydrographic survey vessel, into service.
- When
- Thursday, November 6
- Where
- Kochi Naval Base, Kerala
- Why
- To collect data about oceans and coastal areas for safe navigation, marine construction, resource exploration, naval operations, and to enhance maritime domain awareness.
Traditional Naval Warfare
Hydrographic Survey and Maritime Domain Awareness
Focus of Operations
Traditional Naval Warfare
Traditional naval warfare focuses on conventional warships operating in the high seas and direct combat engagements.
Hydrographic Survey and Maritime Domain Awareness
Hydrographic survey operations are crucial for understanding the underwater domain, supporting safe navigation, marine construction, resource exploration, and enhancing overall Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
Importance of Underwater Data
Traditional Naval Warfare
While aware of the underwater, the emphasis is on vessels and their capabilities.
Hydrographic Survey and Maritime Domain Awareness
Precise, updated charts of ocean depth, seabed nature, and underwater hazards are essential for submarine navigation, mine-laying, minesweeping, amphibious operations, and determining the optimal placement and effectiveness of underwater sensors.
Strategic Value
Traditional Naval Warfare
Strategic value is placed on fleet strength and operational readiness.
Hydrographic Survey and Maritime Domain Awareness
A thorough understanding of the underwater domain provides a strategic edge in anti-submarine warfare and underwater sensor placement, making hydrographic surveys the foundation of maritime power.
- Vessel Name
- INS Ikshak
- Vessel Type
- Naval Hydrographic Survey Vessel
- Commissioning Date
- Thursday, November 6
- Commissioning Location
- Kochi Naval Base, Kerala
- Builder
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)
- Class
- Survey Vessel Large (SVL) - Third ship
- Length
- 110 meters
- Breadth
- 16 meters
- Displacement
- 3,400 tonnes
- Crew Complement
- 231 personnel (20 officers, 211 sailors)
- Endurance
- 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km)
- Additional Roles
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Hospital ship
Sources
‘Shifting Tides and Rougher Seas’: Admiral Tripathi on Maritime transformation as INS Ikshak joins fleet
High-Tech Surveyor, First SVL To Have Women's Quarters: What INS Ikshak's Commissioning Means?
: India’s 3rd SVL Ship Strengthening Navy’s Hydrographic & Disaster Response Capabilities – All You Need to Know
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Neptunus Partner to Develop India’s First CBM-based Marine Engine Monitoring Technology under ‘Make in India’
