NOV 05: The Indian Navy is set to commission Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, on 06 November 2025 at Naval Base, Kochi. The commissioning ceremony will be graced by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, marking a major step in the Navy’s quest to strengthen its hydrographic survey capabilities and reinforce maritime self-reliance.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, Ikshak stands as a proud testament to India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding expertise. With more than 80% indigenous content, the vessel reflects the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the strong partnership between GRSE and India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
True to its name — ‘Ikshak’, meaning Guide in Sanskrit — the vessel will play a guiding role in ensuring maritime safety through accurate hydrographic surveys and navigational charting. Designed for both coastal and deep-water surveys, Ikshak will collect and process hydrographic and oceanographic data crucial for safe navigation, port development, and maritime security operations.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, Ikshak features a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs) — offering unparalleled precision and operational versatility. The vessel also boasts an integrated heli-deck, expanding its operational range and enabling multi-domain support, including aerial reconnaissance and logistics.
As the first SVL-class ship to be based at the Southern Naval Command, Ikshak enhances the Navy’s capacity to conduct charting and survey missions in the peninsular and southern maritime zones. Its commissioning underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its hydrographic fleet in line with global standards while promoting indigenous design and production.
The SVL project — consisting of four vessels — represents a key element of India’s maritime modernization drive. With two ships already in service, the induction of Ikshak reaffirms the Indian Navy’s role as a steward of safe seas and a leader in hydrographic excellence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Symbolizing precision, purpose, and technological prowess, Ikshak not only strengthens India’s maritime capabilities but also stands as a beacon of the nation’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in defence production. As she takes to sea, Ikshak will continue the proud tradition of charting the unknown and ensuring the safety of India’s maritime frontiers.
 [SVL] class, on 06 November 2025 at Naval Base){kind=link}