Cadet training ship for Indian Navy launched, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff in Chennai

Indian Navy's first indigenous cadet training ship 'Krishna' launched in Chennai, enhancing naval training capabilities with a strong crew.

The first of three indigenous cadet training ships built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan at L&T, Kattupalli, Chennai on Tuesday.

The ship was launched by DWWA president Anupama, in keeping with maritime traditions. Named ‘Krishna’, the ship pays tribute to River Krishna, the third longest river in the country, an official release said.

The contract for the three cadet training ships was signed between the Union Ministry of Defence and M/s L&T Shipyard in March 2023. The ships will have a crew strength of 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets, it said.

The primary role of the cadet training ship is to provide basic sea training to Navy cadets, while its secondary roles include hospital ship, non-combatant evacuation operations, HADR, and SAR operations, the release said.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area, Head M/s L&T PES Arun Ramchandani were among those present on the occasion.