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INS Ikshak Commissioned in Kochi, Boosting Navy’s Hydrographic Reach

The Kochi-based survey ship expands India’s indigenous hydrographic capacity with advanced mapping tools, doubling as a HADR–medical platform.

Overview

  • The vessel was commissioned on November 6 at Naval Base Kochi by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi as the third Survey Vessel (Large).
  • It becomes the first SVL assigned to the Southern Naval Command, where it will begin coastal and deep‑water charting to enhance navigational safety.
  • Built by GRSE in Kolkata, the ship incorporates over 80% indigenous content reflecting the Navy’s transition to a builder’s navy.
  • Advanced fit includes a multi‑beam echo sounder, an autonomous underwater vehicle, a remotely operated vehicle, four survey motor boats, and a helicopter deck to extend survey reach.
  • The platform carries a dual HADR–medical configuration and is the first in the series with dedicated accommodation for women; key specs are 110 m length, about 3,400 tonnes displacement, a complement of roughly 231, and speeds above 18 knots.