Has the Navy Received the Third Survey Vessel 'Ikshak' from GRSE?

Kolkata, Aug 14 (NationPress) Ikshak, the third vessel in the series of Survey Vessels Large (SVLs) constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, was officially delivered to the Navy on Thursday, as confirmed by an official statement.

This delivery, occurring just a day prior to the celebration of India's 79th Independence Day, is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy, according to officials.

The name Ikshak translates to ‘Guide’, and its delivery comes 10 months after the commissioning of INS Nirdeshak, the second vessel in this series, which was handed over on October 8, 2024.

The inaugural SVL, INS Sandhayak, was delivered to the Navy on December 4, 2023, after which this class of ships is named.

The delivery of Ikshak follows closely on the heels of GRSE's handover of the Advanced Guided Missile Frigate Himgiri to the Navy, barely a month earlier.

These SVLs represent the largest vessels of their class to be constructed in India and operated by the Navy. The acceptance of Ikshak was carried out on behalf of the Navy by Cmde Arvind Chari, CSO (Tech) (South).

Ikshak marks the 802nd ship and the 113th warship built by GRSE, making it the 75th warship delivered to the Navy—a milestone unmatched by any other shipyard in India.

The longstanding partnership between GRSE and the Navy dates back 64 years to 1961 when the first indigenous warship, INS Ajay, was delivered. Since then, 74 additional warships have been constructed, helping the Navy transition from a ‘buyer’ to a ‘builder’.

This achievement aligns with the government’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) policy.

The 110-metre-long Ikshak will join INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak after commissioning and will provide the Navy with essential survey data vital for operational effectiveness.

The maps and charts generated using this survey data are also utilized by commercial shipping sectors.

Equipped with advanced technology, these SVLs are adept at conducting comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, determining navigation channels, and charting maritime routes.

Furthermore, the Sandhayak-class SVLs can survey maritime boundaries and gather oceanographic and geographical data for defense purposes, thereby bolstering India's maritime strength.

Each vessel can accommodate a helicopter, engage in low-intensity combat, and operate as a hospital ship. They are also capable of performing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Powered by dual marine diesel engines with fixed-pitch propellers and equipped with bow and stern thrusters, these ships are designed for precise maneuverability during surveys.

Fully designed by GRSE to meet the Indian Navy's specifications, Ikshak was constructed using ‘Integrated Construction’ technology in adherence to the regulations set by the Classification Society (IRS). GRSE is currently in the process of building an additional 14 warships for the Navy, which includes two P17A Advanced Guided Missile Frigates, one SVL, seven Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts, and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels.