Krishna Ship: On 16 February 2026, the first Cadet Training Ship named Krishna was launched for the Indian Navy. The ship was built in India at the Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding yard in Kattupalli near Chennai.
This is the first of three Cadet Training Ships being made for the Navy. The launch ceremony followed old naval customs and traditions. Mrs. Anupama Chauhan was present at the event. The Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, also attended along with senior defence officers and top officials from the armed forces and L&T Shipbuilding. His presence showed how important this ship is for the future of naval training.
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The ship is also known as Yard 18003. Its delivery to the Navy is planned by the end of 2026. After this launch, the ship will go through more work and sea trials before it is officially handed over.
Built in India
Krishna has been fully designed and built in India. It comes under the Buy Indian-IDDM category, which means Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured. This project supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India goals. By building such ships at home, India reduces the need to depend on foreign companies for important naval equipment.
The main job of these Cadet Training Ships is to train young officer cadets after they finish their classroom training on land. On this ship, they will learn real sea skills. They will practice navigation, ship handling and seamanship. They will also understand what daily life is like on a Navy vessel. The ship will train women cadets as well. It will also host naval trainees from friendly foreign countries, which helps build good relations with other nations.
Krishna Ship: Features
The deal to build three Cadet Training Ships was signed in March 2023 between the Ministry of Defence and Larsen & Toubro. This project is part of the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan 2012-27. The plan aims to modernise and expand the Navy’s training fleet. These ships are expected to serve and support naval training for the next 30 years.
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Design
Though the official reports do not include all technical details, information on the class of these vessels reveals:
- Approximate length: ~122 meters
- Displacement: ~4,700 tonnes
- Speed: ~20 knots
- Endurance: ~60 days at sea
- Accommodation: ~20 officers, ~150 sailors, and ~200 cadets simultaneously
- Training Facilities: Dedicated classrooms, a cadet training bridge and specialised chart house
Apart from training, the ship can also help in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. It can take part in search and rescue work when needed. So it is not just a training ship but also a support vessel for other naval duties.
After launch, Krishna will go through detailed fitting work and sea trials. Once it is officially commissioned at the end of 2026, it will begin training new batches of officers. Meanwhile, the second and third ships of this class are being built at the same shipyard.
