On 05 Nov 2025, the Indian Navy announced the commissioning of SVL Ikshak, the third of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class ships. The commissioning ceremony will take place at Naval Base, Kochi on 06 Nov 2025, with Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, in attendance. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, the ship has over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Ikshak is designed for full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, equipped with a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs), and a helicopter deck. This will enhance the Navy's hydrographic survey capabilities and maritime safety framework.
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Key Entities Referenced
Ikshak: Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, commissioned into the Indian Navy to enhance hydrographic survey capabilities.
Indian Navy: Entity whose hydrographic survey capabilities are being enhanced
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Initiative that Ikshak's commissioning reflects, emphasizing self-reliance in shipbuilding.
Ministry of Defence: Releasing the commissioning announcement.
Naval Base, Kochi: Location where the ship will be formally commissioned into service.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVY TO COMMISSION ‘IKSHAK’,
CHARTING A NEW COURSE IN INDIGENOUS
HYDROGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE
SVL Ikshak is a beacon of precision, purpose, and self-
reliance on India’s maritime horizon
Posted On: 05 NOV 2025 10:23AM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its hydrographic survey capabilities with the commissioning of
Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class and the first to be based at the
Southern Naval Command. The ship will be formally commissioned into service in presence of Adm
Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, at a ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi on 06 Nov 2025.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, Ikshak stands as a
shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding. The vessel embodies over 80%
indigenous content, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and collaborative
synergy between GRSE and Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, aptly defines the ship’s role as a sentinel of
precision and purpose. The vessel is designed to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water
hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. The data generated will be vital
for ensuring safe navigation at sea, strengthening India’s maritime safety framework.
Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, including a high-
resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely
Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs), Ikshak brings unmatched
versatility and capability to the Navy’s hydrographic fleet. The ship is also fitted with a helicopter
deck, extending its operational reach and enabling multi-domain missions.
The commissioning of Ikshak marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to
augment its survey and charting infrastructure. As a symbol of indigenous strength, technical
excellence and maritime stewardship, Ikshak is ready to serve the nation — charting the unknown and
safeguarding India’s vast maritime frontiers.______________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 240/25
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