Indian Navy Inducts 3rd Survey Vessel ‘Ikshak’ Built by GRSE in Kolkata.
Science and Technology
On 14 August 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) received its third Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) ship, INS Ikshak (Guide – Yard 3027), from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), a defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), at Kolkata, West Bengal.
- The contract for 4 SVLs was signed in 2018, with INS Sandhayak commissioned in February 2024 and INS Nirdeshak in December 2024. INS Ikshak is the 102nd ship designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), reflecting India’s naval self-reliance.
- Ikshak is the first SVL ship to provide dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors. It also represents the 75th warship delivered to the Indian Navy by GRSE, showcasing the shipyard’s legacy as the only Indian yard to achieve this feat.
- The vessel marks GRSE’s 802nd ship overall and 113th warship, built under the supervision of the Warship Overseeing Team (WOT), Kolkata. This milestone highlights GRSE’s consistent contribution to strengthening India’s maritime power.
Main Point :- (i) With a displacement of 3,400 tons and a length of 110 meters, INS Ikshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic technology, including Data Acquisition and Processing System (DAPS), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and Digital Side Scan Sonar (DSSS).
(ii) The induction of Ikshak strengthens India’s capacity in hydrographic surveys, supporting navigation, charting, and oceanographic studies essential for both defence and maritime trade security.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) : Cmde PR Hari
Headquarters : Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)
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