The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its operational capabilities with the commissioning of its latest survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, scheduled for December 18 at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This significant event will be presided over by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and is expected to draw attention from senior naval officials and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), which constructed the vessel.
INS Nirdeshak, measuring 110 meters in length and displacing approximately 3,800 tonnes, stands out with over 80 percent indigenous content. This achievement underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to self-reliance and ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in naval capabilities. The vessel is powered by two diesel engines that enable it to reach speeds in excess of 18 knots and provides an endurance of more than 25 days at sea.
The ship is equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic and oceanographic survey technology, emphasizing its designed purpose to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid navigation, and support various maritime operations. This new addition to the fleet is particularly notable as it represents the reincarnation of the original Nirdeshak, which served the Indian Navy effectively for 32 years before its decommissioning on December 19, 2014.
Highlighting its significance, the Navy has unveiled the crest of INS Nirdeshak, aptly named ‘the Pathfinder of the Seas.’ This emblem symbolizes India’s maritime sovereignty and technological advancement, featuring an image of the hydrographic survey ship navigating through waves. The crest also incorporates advanced satellite-based navigation and communication systems alongside state-of-the-art sub-surface sensors, illustrating the ship’s capabilities in accurately charting underwater terrains.
As India seeks to bolster its strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Nirdeshak is expected to play a vital role in mapping national waters and supporting maritime cooperation with other nations. The commissioning of this ship marks a significant step for the Indian Navy as it continues to develop indigenous capabilities and further its mission in naval operations.
