Indian Navy Ikshak: In a big boost for India’s maritime defence, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd from Kolkata has given the Indian Navy a new ship called ‘Ikshak’. This is the third vessel in a group of four large survey ships being made for the Navy. The delivery also happened ahead of schedule.. Recently, GRSE had also handed over the guided missile frigate ‘Himgiri’, which was another major milestone.
‘Ikshak’ comes after the first ship INS Sandhayak, delivered in December 2023, and the second ship INS Nirdeshak, delivered in October 2024. With this delivery, GRSE has now built its 802nd ship in total and 113th warship. It is also the 75th warship that GRSE has given to the Indian Navy, making it the only shipyard in India to reach that mark. Commodore Arvind Chari accepted the ship on behalf of the Navy.
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When the Navy commissions Ikshak, it will join its sister ships to carry out important work like surveying coastlines, harbours, and approaches to ports. It will also help map navigation routes and collect ocean and geography data for defence.
Indian Navy Ikshak: Features
Ikshak is 110 metres long and runs on twin marine diesel engines with fixed-pitch propellers. For better control during surveys, it has both bow and stern thrusters. The ship can carry a helicopter and is built to handle many roles.
It can be used in low-intensity combat, disaster relief work, and even as a hospital ship when needed. The ship uses modern Integrated Construction Technology and is built to Indian Register of Shipping standards while meeting every Indian Navy requirement.
The Sandhayak-class large survey vessels are considered force multipliers for the Indian Navy. They help improve maritime awareness, collect accurate sea data, and boost tactical readiness. These ships can even map maritime boundaries and provide real-time hydrographic intelligence during both peace and war.
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GRSE is working on many more warships for the Navy right now. This includes two P17A advanced guided missile frigates, one more large survey vessel, seven anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts, and four next-generation offshore patrol vessels.
