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New Delhi, October 27 (IANS) Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K.
As the third ship of her class, the induction of Ikshak underlines the Indian Navy’s strong commitment to chart a new course in indigenous hydrographic excellence – building advanced, state-of-the-art platforms, carrying forward the pace of capability enhancement and self-reliance.
Ikshak is also the first SVL ship to have dedicated accommodation for women, reflecting the Indian Navy’s inclusive and progressive approach towards a future-ready fleet.
Ikshak, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Inspection Team (Kolkata), contains more than 80 per cent indigenous content, an official statement said.
The ship stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs, proudly reflecting the spirit and strength of self-reliant India.
Beyond her primary role of conducting hydrographic survey operations, Ikshak is designed with dual role capability, acting as a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) platform and as a hospital ship during emergencies.
The ship’s name, Ikshak, meaning ‘The Guide’, is aptly symbolic of her mission – to explore the unknown, ensure safe passage for sailors and strengthen India’s maritime power.
Last week, India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing got new impetus with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivering Mahe, the first in the series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) to the Indian Navy.
The ship was formally handed over at a ceremony where CSL’s Director of Operations, Dr. S. The acceptance documents were signed between Harikrishnan and Mahe’s designated commanding officer-Commander Amit Chandra Choubey.
Chief Staff Officer, Technical, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, Superintendent, Warship Production, Kochi, Commodore Anup Menon and other senior naval and shipyard officers were present.
Indigenously designed and built by CSL, Mahe is constructed under Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification standards.
At 78 meters in length, it is the largest Indian naval vessel powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system, a configuration that enhances speed, agility and operational flexibility in shallow waters.
–IANS
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