The construction of the third cadet training ship for the Indian Navy began on December 30, 2024, at L&T Kattupalli. These ships will be designed and built indigenously. The Keel-Laying Ceremony took place at L&T Kattupalli, presided over by Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, the Flag Officer of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area. Also present were Rear Admiral GK Harish (Retd.), the Head of the Shipbuilding Business at L&T, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and L&T.
The Navy’s spokesperson shared details about the Keel-Laying Ceremony on the social media platform X, describing it as “Another milestone in the Indian Navy’s pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding, in alignment with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative.”
Details of the Contract
On December 7, 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with L&T to construct three cadet training ships. These vessels will be used to train officer cadets after their initial training on land and accommodate cadets from friendly foreign nations.
Design and Specifications of the Cadet Training Ships
These ships will measure 122 meters in length and have a beam of 18 meters, with a displacement of approximately 4,700 tonnes and a top speed exceeding 20 knots. They can accommodate 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets. The vessels will feature an automatic helicopter landing and traversing system for on-board helicopter operations. Armament includes an OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun, two AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and machine guns with a caliber of 12.7 mm, each equipped with a fire control system. The design is based on an in-house concept by L&T.
The delivery of the first ship is expected in 2026. Currently, the Indian Navy operates two cadet training ships: INS Tir and INS Shardul.
This initiative represents a significant advancement towards the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The induction of these cadet training ships will enhance the Indian Navy’s training infrastructure, improve its operational capabilities, and foster international collaboration.
