On 16 February 2026, the Indian Navy officially launched its first indigenously built cadet training ship named Krishna at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai — a historic moment for India’s maritime defence sector.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior defence leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other officials, symbolizing strong institutional support for self-reliant defence production.
Krishna is the first of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) designed to provide real-world seagoing training for Indian Navy officer cadets — including women — once they complete basic shore training.
The vessel’s construction is entirely indigenous, reflecting Government of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative and the growing role of private shipyards in defence manufacturing.
These training ships strengthen India’s maritime education infrastructure, offering hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and operational drills at sea.
Formal delivery of Krishna to the Indian Navy is expected by end of 2026, after which it will join the training fleet and potentially host cadets from friendly foreign nations, enhancing naval diplomacy and cooperation.
Why It Matters:
This launch not only enhances India’s defence training capacity but also underscores a significant shift toward indigenous shipbuilding, reducing dependence on imports and bolstering long-term maritime security preparedness.
