New Addition To Navy’s Training Fleet; First Indigenous CTS Krishna To Train Men, Women Officer Cadets At Sea
These Cadet Training Ships will be utilised for training Officer Cadets at sea after their basic training ashore. Image courtesy: X.com/@indiannavy
Indian Navy has added yet another training vessel to its fleet as it launched the first of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) on Tuesday (February 17, 2026). The ship, which will train both men and women at sea, is being constructed by L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
Marking a major push for indigenous shipbuilding and naval training capability, the ship, named ‘Krishna’, was launched in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan. This signifies a key milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen maritime preparedness through domestic defence manufacturing.
Why is the launch of ‘Krishna’ significant?
The launch represents a major step in India’s defence indigenisation drive, enhanced capacity for structured sea training of naval cadets, strengthening of private-sector participation in warship construction. With ‘Krishna’ entering the water, India moves closer to bolstering its long-term officer and sailor training ecosystem.
CTS Krishna has its crest bearing a lotus in full bloom rising from the banks of River Krishna, symbolising the ascent of knowledge. “It will train Men and Women Officer Cadets at sea following their basic training ashore also fostering deeper maritime bonds with Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries,” the Navy said.
The contract for the three indigenous cadet training ships was signed in March 2023 between the Ministry of Defence and L&T Shipyard. The programme underlines the government’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in naval shipbuilding.
What role will the cadet training ship play?
The primary role of the Cadet Training Ship is to provide basic sea training to naval cadets before they are deployed on frontline warships. Each vessel is designed to accommodate 20 officers, 150 sailors, 200 cadets. Beyond training, the ship is configured for multiple secondary operational roles
This include hospital ship functions, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, non-combatant evacuation operations. This multi-role capability ensures that the platform remains operationally relevant beyond peacetime training missions.
Why the name ‘Krishna’?
In keeping with maritime tradition, the ship was 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, symbolising endurance, strength and national heritage.
The induction of dedicated cadet training ships comes at a time when the Indian Navy is expanding its operational footprint across the Indo-Pacific. As India transitions into a more capable blue-water force, professional training at sea becomes increasingly vital. Structured sea exposure for young cadets enhances seamanship skills, navigation proficiency, operational discipline, interoperability readiness.
“The launch stands as a resounding testament to Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and reflects the Nation’s indomitable resolve to realise the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the Indian Navy posted on X.
Meanwhile, the launch ceremony was attended by senior naval leadership and industry representatives, including 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.
