The indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) 'Ikshak' of the Indian Navy, which has been designed to serve as a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief platform, and a hospital ship during emergencies apart from hydrographic survey operations, will be commissioned on November 6 at the Naval Base in Kochi, Kerala.
What makes this vessel unique is the fact that it is the first SVL ship with dedicated women-specific accommodation. According to a Navy spokesperson, this reflects the Indian Navy's inclusive and progressive approach towards a future-ready fleet.
"Beyond her primary role of hydrographic survey operations, 'Ikshak' is designed with dual-role capability, serving as a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) platform and a hospital ship during emergencies," the Navy said.
As the third ship of its class, its induction underscores the Navy's steadfast commitment to building advanced, state-of-the-art platforms, furthering the momentum of capability enhancement and self-reliance, the Navy official said.
Built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata), 'Ikshak' is a testament to India's self-reliance in defence as it has over 80 per cent indigenous content.
According to the Indian Navy, the commissioning of 'Ikshak', meaning 'the guide', marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of hydrographic excellence and indigenisation.