Indian Navy Launches Its Newest & Most Advanced Cadet Training Vessel “Krishna”
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The Indian Navy has launched its first indigenously built Cadet Training Ship, named Krishna, at L&T Shipbuilding’s yard in Kattupalli near Chennai.
The vessel, currently designated as Yard 18003, is the first of three such ships being constructed by Larsen & Toubro under a contract signed with the Union Ministry of Defence in March 2023.
The launch ceremony took place on 16 February 2026 in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other senior officials.
The ship was launched by Anupama Chauhan, President of the Defence Wives Welfare Association, following maritime tradition.
Krishna has been designed and built in India and is intended to provide sea training to naval cadets following their basic instruction at shore establishments.
The vessels will also train cadets from friendly foreign countries. The Navy said the launch supports its efforts to promote indigenous shipbuilding under the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Following its transfer to water, Yard 18003 will undergo integration of equipment, systems and sub-systems, followed by rigorous testing.
Weapon systems and armaments will also be installed and tested before the vessel reaches its final stages of readiness. Upon commissioning into service, it will be designated as INS Krishna.
The ship is named after the River Krishna, the third longest river in India. Its crest features a lotus in full bloom emerging from the banks of the river, symbolising knowledge.
Each of the three Cadet Training Ships in the series measures 122 metres in length and 18 metres in beam, with a displacement of 4,700 tonnes. They are designed to accommodate 20 officers, 150 sailors and 200 cadets.
The ships will be equipped with dedicated training facilities, including classrooms and a cadets’ training bridge, and will accommodate both men and women trainees.
The primary role of the vessels is to provide comprehensive sea training to naval cadets. Additionally, they are capable of undertaking secondary roles such as hospital ship duties, non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, and search and rescue operations when required.
Cadet Training Ships form part of the Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron, based in Kochi, Kerala, under the Southern Naval Command, which serves as the Navy’s training command.
Among those present at the launch were Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition; Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area; and Arun Ramchandani, Head of L&T Precision Engineering Systems.
References: The Hindu, Wion News
Source: Maritime Shipping News