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Indian Navy Commissions Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ‘Ikshak’ in Kochi.

National | Dated: 07 Nov 2025

The Indian Navy commissioned the third vessel of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) project, INS ‘Ikshak’ (meaning ‘Overseer’), at the Naval Base in Kochi. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T, the ship is highly indigenous (over 80%). INS Ikshak is the first SVL to be based at the Southern Naval Command and is the first SVL designed with dedicated women's accommodation, symbolizing the Navy's commitment to inclusivity. The primary role of the vessel is to conduct full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • INS Ikshak is the third ship of the SVL (Survey Vessel Large) project.
  • It is the first SVL to be designed with dedicated women's accommodation.
  • It was commissioned at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • The vessel will replace the ageing Sandhayak class survey ships.
  • It is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic survey equipment like Multi-Beam Echo Sounder.
  • It can also perform limited defensive roles and act as a hospital ship.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

INS ‘Ikshak’ belongs to which class of vessels?

Correct Answer: Survey Vessel Large (SVL)

🚀 Quick Recap:

About SVL Project

  • (i) SVL: Survey Vessel Large (ii) Builder: GRSE & L&T
  • (iii) Primary role: Hydrographic Survey (iv) Indigenous content: Over 80%