New Delhi: In a significant milestone for Indian maritime defence capability, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking based in Kolkata, delivered ‘Ikshak’, the third ship in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large), to the Indian Navy on Thursday.
This delivery follows the recent handover of the advanced guided missile frigate ‘Himgiri’, underlining GRSE’s growing momentum in defence shipbuilding.
- Third Vessel in Survey Series Delivered Ahead of Schedule
- ‘Ikshak’ follows the first two vessels in the class:
- INS Sandhayak – Delivered on December 4, 2023
- INS Nirdeshak – Delivered on October 8, 2024
The latest addition reaffirms GRSE’s commitment to delivering critical defence platforms on time. ‘Ikshak’ is the 802nd ship and the 113th warship built by GRSE — the 75th warship delivered to the Indian Navy, making GRSE the only Indian shipyard to achieve such a feat.
The vessel was formally accepted by Commodore Arvind Chari, CSO (Tech) (South), on behalf of the Navy.
Strategic Role in Naval Operations and Maritime Mapping
Once commissioned, Ikshak will operate alongside its sister ships to conduct:
- Hydrographic surveys of coastlines, harbours, and port approaches
- Mapping of navigation channels and routes
- Collection of oceanographic and geographic data for defence applications
This data not only supports naval operations but also contributes significantly to commercial shipping, ensuring maritime safety and navigation accuracy.
State-of-the-Art Design and Capabilities
Length: 110 metres
Propulsion: Twin marine diesel engines with fixed-pitch propellers
Maneuverability: Equipped with bow and stern thrusters for precision handling during survey operations
Flight Capability: Can carry a helicopter on board
Multi-role Ready: Suited for low-intensity combat, HADR missions, and hospital ship roles
Built using Integrated Construction Technology, Ikshak adheres to the standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and meets all Indian Navy specifications.
Survey Vessels as Force Multipliers
The Sandhayak-class Survey Vessels (Large) are seen as force multipliers for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing:
- Coastal and deep-sea survey operations
- Maritime domain awareness
- Tactical preparedness through accurate maritime data
With capabilities for surveying maritime limits and generating real-time hydrographic intelligence, these ships support both peacetime navigation and wartime operations.
GRSE’s Expanding Defence Shipbuilding Portfolio
GRSE is currently constructing 14 more warships for the Indian Navy, including:
- 2 P17A Advanced Guided Missile Frigates
- 1 more Survey Vessel (Large)
- 7 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs)
- 4 Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs)
These platforms will further augment India’s maritime strength in line with the nation’s vision of becoming a blue-water navy.
read also: Major CSR Milestone: GRSE Undertakes Restoration of Mayer and Suriname Ghats to Preserve Heritage
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), under the Ministry of Defence, is a premier warship builder headquartered in Kolkata. Alongside its shipbuilding expertise, GRSE actively engages in CSR initiatives focused on education, health, heritage preservation, and community development.
