INS Ikshak – Third Survey Vessel Large (SVL) Commissioned
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The Indian Navy commissioned INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) class, at Naval Base Kochi.
Marks a major step in strengthening India’s hydrographic survey and maritime domain capability.
About INS Ikshak
Feature | Details |
Ship Type | Hydrographic Survey Vessel (Large) |
Class | Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class |
Builder | Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
Commissioned at | Kochi Naval Base |
Role | Hydrographic survey, charting, navigation safety, HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) |
Special Feature | First SVL with dedicated women’s accommodation — symbolizing inclusivity in the Indian Navy |
Complement | Designed for mixed-gender crew operations |
Capabilities | High-end hydrographic and oceanographic survey equipment, medical support, disaster relief logistics |
About the SVL Class (Survey Vessel Large)
Parameter | Details |
Number of Ships | Four vessels: Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, Ikshak, Sanshodhak |
Lead Ship | INS Sandhayak (commissioned 2023) |
Second Ship | INS Nirdeshak (2024) |
Third Ship | INS Ikshak (2025) |
Fourth Ship | Sanshodhak (under construction) |
Displacement | ~3,300 tonnes |
Length | ~110 metres |
Speed | 18 knots (approx.) |
Crew | About 20 officers and 120 sailors |
Range | Capable of extended missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) |
Design | Indigenous design by GRSE, Kolkata |
Survey Role | Hydrographic, Oceanographic, Coastal Mapping, and EEZ surveys |
Role of Hydrographic Survey Ships
Hydrography = Measurement and description of physical features of oceans, seas, and coastal areas.
Key functions:
Charting sea routes for safe navigation.
Assessing coastal erosion and seabed conditions.
Supporting naval and submarine operations.
Assisting scientific research and environmental monitoring.
Operated by the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD).
India is one of the few nations capable of conducting international hydrographic surveys under IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) standards.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class ships of the Indian Navy, consider the following statements:
All SVL-class ships are built indigenously by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro.
They are primarily designed for oceanographic research and humanitarian assistance operations.
INS Ikshak is the first SVL-class vessel designed with dedicated women’s accommodation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
SVL ships are primarily for hydrographic survey, not oceanographic research alone (which is scientific).
INS Ikshak indeed includes women’s quarters — the first in its class.
Q. Consider the following ships of the Indian Navy:
INS Sandhayak
INS Nirdeshak
INS Ikshak
INS Sanshodhak
Which of the above are part of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 1 and 4 only
✅ Answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4