Editorial: Another milestone was added towards strengthening the growing strategic capabilities and maritime dominance of the Indian Navy when the most modern survey vessel (SVL) 'Ikshak' built with indigenous technology was officially handed over to the Navy. 'Ikshak' means 'guide' and this name in itself is symbolic because the main objective of this ship is to provide guidance by accurately surveying sea routes, shipping channels and deep sea areas. This ship is an important achievement for the Indian Navy not only from a strategic point of view but also from the point of view of technological and industrial self-reliance. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau for the Indian Navy, this ship has been built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata. It is the 802nd ship and 113th warship built by GRSE. Earlier, two ships of this class 'INS Sandhyak' and 'INS Nirdeshak' were handed over to the Navy in December 2023 and October 2024 respectively. 'Ikshak' is the third ship in this series of four ships, while the fourth ship is likely to join the Navy by next year.
The foundation of 'Ikshak' was laid on 6 August 2021 and it was launched on 26 November 2022. From construction to delivery, more than 80 percent indigenous equipment and material has been used in this ship. This figure is important in itself as it shows that India is now capable of building important maritime platforms with indigenous resources instead of foreign dependence. According to the Ministry of Defense, the delivery of 'Ikshak' is a solid proof towards the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign. A large number of Indian industry, MSMEs and local suppliers actively contributed to the construction of this ship, which not only strengthened indigenization in defense production but also gave a boost to the country's industrial ecosystem.
'Ikshak' has a displacement of about 3400 tonnes and its total length is 110 meters. This size makes it the largest survey vessel of its class. This ship provides the stability and capability required to carry out advanced hydrographic and oceanographic research tasks. The structure of this ship is built using modern integrated construction technology, which ensures strength and durability. It has been designed following the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). 'Ikshak' is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment, including data acquisition and processing system to collect high quality data of sea depths and sediments and analyze them digitally, autonomous water vehicle capable of conducting detailed survey and monitoring in deep water without human pilot, remotely operated vehicle helpful in real time monitoring and survey even in difficult water areas, long range positioning system DGPS to increase the accuracy of marine mapping, digital side-scan sonar helpful in preparing detailed digital images of sea floor structure and obstructions. Through these equipment, 'Ikshak' can conduct extensive survey of ports, coastal areas and deep sea routes. It will play a decisive role in determining shipping channels and sea routes. In addition, the ship will also collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civilian purposes.
‘Ikshak’ is powered by two marine diesel engines. It can attain a speed of over 18 knots (about 33 kilometres per hour). Fixed-pitch propellers as well as bow and stern thrusters are installed in it, which provide it with great stability and precise handling even at low speeds. This feature is extremely useful during survey missions as such missions require working at slow and steady speeds. Although the primary purpose of ‘Ikshak’ is hydrographic survey and determination of navigation channels, the ship is capable of playing a multi-faceted role. It can act as a hospital ship for delivering relief material, providing medical facilities and rescue operations during natural disasters, is capable of participating in military operations on a limited scale. The ship is also capable of carrying a helicopter and supporting its operation. Thus, 'Ikshak' is not only a survey vessel but also a multipurpose platform that can meet the diverse needs of the Indian Navy. 'Ikshak' is the first SVL (Survey Vessel Large) ship of the Indian Navy in which special accommodation facilities have been provided for women officers and sailors. This step is a big change towards gender equality and inclusiveness in the Navy. It also sends a message that the Navy is now serious and committed to the increasing role and contribution of women officers.
The Indian Ocean region is extremely important in the strategic politics of the world. A large part of the world passes through this region through maritime trade routes. In such a situation, accurate information of shipping channels and safe monitoring of sea routes is imperative for any nation. The presence of an advanced survey vessel like 'Ikshak' will increase India's maritime surveillance and survey capabilities manifold. This will not only strengthen the operational capability of the Navy but will also boost commercial shipping and maritime security. The relationship between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers and the Indian Navy is more than 64 years old. In 1961, GRSE handed over the first indigenous warship 'INS Ajay' to the Indian Navy. Since then, this shipyard has handed over 75 warships to the Navy. 'Ikshak' is the latest example of this long-term partnership. Currently, GRSE is building 14 more warships for the Navy, including two P-17A advanced guided missile frigates, seven anti-submarine shallow water vessels, four next generation offshore patrol vessels and another SVL.
The achievement of 'Ikshak' is an important step towards self-reliance in India's defense production. It is India's strategic priority to utilize the capabilities of indigenous industries by reducing dependence on foreign technology and imports. More than 80 percent of this ship is built with indigenous technology and equipment, which shows that India is now capable of designing and building large maritime platforms.
Overall, the inclusion of 'Ikshak' in the Indian Navy fleet is not just an event of adding another ship but it is a living example of India's strategic, industrial and technological progress. This ship will take the Navy's survey capability in the Indian Ocean region to an unprecedented level, as well as play an important role in commercial shipping and disaster relief operations. 'Ikshak's indigenous construction, advanced technical capabilities, special provisions for women officers and multi-faceted use make it a matter of pride not only for the Indian Navy but for the entire nation. In the years to come, this ship will prove to be helpful in taking the maritime power, self-reliance and global reputation of the Indian Navy to new heights.
(The author is an independent commentator.)
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