INS Nirdeshak

Context-

INS Nirdeshak is set to be commissioned on December 18 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

About INS Nirdeshak:

• INS Nirdeshak is the second ship under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project of the Indian Navy.
• It is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, assist in navigation, and support maritime operations.
• It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• It reflects India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) with over 80% indigenous content.
• Legacy: INS Nirdeshak represents the reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Nirdeshak, which served the Indian Navy for 32 years with distinction until its decommissioning on December 19, 2014.
  • The name ‘Nirdeshak’, meaning ‘Pathfinder’, signifies its role in charting the seas with precision.

Key Specifications:

• Displacement: Approx. 3400–3800 tons.
• Length: 110 meters.
• Speed: Capable of achieving speeds exceeding 18 knots.
• Endurance: Can remain at sea for over 25 days.
• Propulsion:
  • It is driven by two marine diesel engines.
  • It is equipped with fixed-pitch propellers.
• Construction Technology:
  • Built using ‘Integrated Construction’ technology.
  • Adheres to standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

• State-of-the-Art Equipment: INS Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic survey systems to conduct precise underwater mapping:
  • Hydrographic Data Acquisition and Processing Systems.
  • Advanced Satellite-Based Navigation and Communication Systems.
  • Sub-surface Sensors for detailed underwater terrain charting.
  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
• These technologies enable high-accuracy hydrographic surveys, making the vessel a key asset for the Navy.

Strategic Significance in India’s Maritime Strategy

1. Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
   • India’s strategic interests in the IOR have grown significantly, with the region being a critical area for global trade, energy security, and military operations. INS Nirdeshak’s role in surveying the waters around India’s coastline and beyond helps India maintain control over its maritime domain.
2. Defense and Security:
   • With rising security concerns, particularly from non-state actors or potential adversaries using maritime routes for smuggling or illicit activities, INS Nirdeshak assists in countering these threats by providing essential maritime intelligence.
   • The ship contributes to India’s defense modernization efforts, expanding the Navy’s ability to monitor and control its maritime borders effectively.
3. Humanitarian and Disaster Response:
   • The ship can also support humanitarian missions, such as search and rescue operations during natural disasters, by providing critical survey data that can help in locating and identifying impacted areas.
   • It may also assist in relief operations by navigating difficult waters and ensuring safe routes for rescue ships and vessels carrying aid.
4. Global Positioning:
   • As the maritime domain becomes more competitive, INS Nirdeshak plays a role in enhancing India’s naval capabilities, allowing the country to assert its influence in the IOR and participate more effectively in regional maritime security initiatives.

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims

Which of the following is true about INS Nirdeshak?

a) It is the first aircraft carrier commissioned by the Indian Navy.
b) It is an ocean-going vessel equipped for naval warfare.
c) It is an advanced hydrographic survey ship of the Indian Navy.
d) It is a missile boat used for coastal defense.

Answer: c) It is an advanced hydrographic survey ship of the Indian Navy.

CBL Mains Practice Question

Analyze how vessels like INS Nirdeshak contribute to the modern role of the Indian Navy in safeguarding national interests.

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