Indian Navy commissions survey vessel INS Ikshak, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class ship, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Naval Base, Kochi on Thursday.
• The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
• INS Ikshak will enhance India’s hydrographic survey and maritime operational capabilities.
• The ship can function as a platform for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and medical support operations.
• INS Ikshak is the first SVL designed with dedicated women’s accommodation.

Detailed Insights:

• The Survey Vessel Large (SVL) project aims to replace the existing Sandhayak class survey ships with more advanced platforms.
• Hydrographic surveys are crucial for safe navigation, coastal zone management, and maritime security.
• The inclusion of dedicated women's accommodation aligns with the Indian Navy's efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity within its ranks.
• INS Ikshak's capabilities extend beyond traditional survey roles, enabling it to contribute to humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the region.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Hydrographic Survey: The process of measuring and describing the physical features of bodies of water and the adjacent coastal areas.
• Maritime Operational Capabilities: The ability of a navy to conduct a range of operations at sea, including surveillance, patrol, and combat.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Aid and assistance provided to alleviate human suffering during emergencies and disasters.