The first of three indigenous Cadet Training Ships (CTS), being constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard in Chennai. The ceremony was held in the presence of Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff.
The event was also attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition; Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area; Arun Ramchandani, Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems (PES); along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and L&T.
In keeping with maritime traditions, the ship was ceremonially launched by Anupama, President of the Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA).
The vessel has been named ‘Krishna’, in tribute to the River Krishna, the third-longest river in India. The contract for the construction of the three Cadet Training Ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and L&T Shipyard on March 7, 2023.
Each ship will have a crew strength of 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets. The primary role of the Cadet Training Ship is to provide basic sea training to naval cadets. In addition, the ships will also be capable of performing secondary roles such as serving as a hospital ship, conducting Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, and participating in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
The launch of ‘Krishna’ marks another milestone in India’s push for indigenous defence production and maritime capability enhancement.