The Indian Navy added a new chapter to its “Aatmanirbhar” story with the launch of Krishna, the first in a new series of cadet training ships being built at L&T’s shipyard in Kattupalli near Chennai.
The vessel, designated Yard 18003, slid into the water on 16 February 2026 in a traditional ceremony led by Anupama Chauhan in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and senior officers from the armed forces and Larsen & Toubro.
New training backbone for future officers
Krishna is the first of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) being constructed by L&T Shipbuilding and has been fully designed and built in India, underscoring the Navy’s growing confidence in domestic shipyards. Formal delivery to the Navy is planned by the end of 2026, after which the ship will begin its core mission: giving young officer cadets essential sea time and hands‑on exposure to life and operations at sea.
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Unlike earlier eras when training opportunities at sea were limited, the new CTS series has been conceived as a dedicated floating classroom and living lab for cadets. The ships will embark officer trainees, including women, soon after they complete their basic training ashore and take them through practical drills, navigation, seamanship and watch‑keeping in real maritime conditions. In line with India’s growing defence partnerships, the platforms will also host cadets from friendly foreign countries, turning them into instruments of naval diplomacy as well as training assets.
Boost to Make in India maritime capability
The launch reinforces the Navy’s push for indigenous design and construction as it replaces older training assets and expands capacity for a much larger intake of officers.
Built by a leading private Indian yard, Krishna reflects how public–private collaboration is becoming central to complex defence projects, the Centre noted. The new class promises a steady pipeline of better‑prepared officers who have already spent significant time at sea before joining frontline warships.