On February 29, 2024, the keel laying ceremony of the first Cadet Training Ship (Yard-18003) took place at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, heralding a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding initiative.
The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area, in the presence of Rear Admiral G K Harish, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Head Shipbuilding Business at L&T, and other senior officials from the Indian Navy and M/s L&T.
The contract for the indigenous design and construction of three Cadet Training Ships was finalized between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s L&T on March 7, 2023.
These Cadet Training Ships are intended to train officer cadets at sea following their basic training ashore. Additionally, they will provide training opportunities to cadets from friendly foreign countries.
This development underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
By fostering domestic shipbuilding capabilities, the Indian Navy aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports and strengthen its self-reliance in maritime defence capabilities.
The keel laying ceremony represents the formal commencement of the ship’s construction, marking the laying of the ship’s structural foundation. It is a significant tradition in shipbuilding, symbolizing the start of a vessel’s journey from concept to completion.
The Cadet Training Ships will play a crucial role in enhancing the training infrastructure of the Indian Navy, enabling it to groom future naval officers and strengthen maritime security. Moreover, by extending training facilities to cadets from friendly foreign nations, India aims to foster international cooperation and goodwill in the maritime domain.
The successful execution of this indigenous shipbuilding project reaffirms India’s growing capabilities in naval technology and manufacturing. It reflects the nation’s commitment to innovation, self-sufficiency, and strategic autonomy in defence production.
As construction progresses on the Cadet Training Ship, the Indian Navy anticipates further milestones in its journey towards bolstering its maritime capabilities and advancing its shipbuilding capabilities in line with global standards.
