The first of three indigenous Cadet Training Ships, being built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched today in the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, at L&T, Kattupalli, Chennai. The ceremony was also attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition; Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area, Arun Ramchandani, Head M/s L&T PES, and other senior officers from the Indian Navy and M/s L&T.

The ship was launched by Anupama, President of DWWA, in keeping with maritime traditions. Named ‘Krishna’, the ship pays tribute to the River Krishna, the third longest river in the country. The contract for the three Cadet Training Ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and M/s L&T Shipyard on 07 Mar 2023. The ships will have a crew strength of 20 Officers, 150 Sailors, and 200 Cadets. The primary role of the Cadet Training Ship is to provide basic sea training to Naval Cadets. In contrast, its secondary roles include Hospital Ship, Non-Combatant Evacuation Ops, HADR, and SAR operations