NE DEFENCE BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 17
In a major stride towards strengthening India’s indigenous maritime capability and naval training ecosystem, Yard 18003 ‘Krishna’, the first of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) being built at Larsen & Toubro’s advanced shipbuilding facility at Kattupalli near Chennai, was ceremonially launched on February 16, 2026.
Another milestone for the #IndianNavy!
The first of the three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) was launched at M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai on #16Feb 26 by Mrs Anupama Chauhan in the presence of General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff #CDS.
Indigenously designed… pic.twitter.com/EK4XdCbUbH
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) February 16, 2026
In keeping with time-honoured naval traditions, the ship was launched by Anupama Chauhan in the presence of Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, alongside senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces and L&T Shipbuilding.
- First of three indigenously built training ships at Larsen & Toubro’s Kattupalli shipyard to groom next-generation naval officers, including women and foreign cadets
- Landmark launch reinforces Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding push under Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision
Indigenous design to power next-generation naval training and global cooperation
The Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ has been indigenously designed and built by L&T Shipbuilding, representing India’s growing capability in complex naval vessel construction. The ship is scheduled for formal delivery to the Indian Navy by the end of 2026.
These next-generation Cadet Training Ships will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive sea-based training to Officer Cadets—including women officers—after completion of their shore-based training, enhancing operational readiness and leadership skills.
The ships will also serve as training platforms for cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries, strengthening defence diplomacy, maritime cooperation, and India’s strategic outreach.
The project marks another significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s sustained focus on indigenous shipbuilding and aligns closely with the Government of India’s flagship initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aimed at building self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
India has emerged as one of the world’s leading naval shipbuilding nations, with over 90 per cent of naval vessels currently being constructed domestically. The induction of modern training ships like Krishna will further enhance the Navy’s ability to prepare officers for technologically advanced maritime operations in an increasingly complex global security environment.
