Keel Laying Ceremony of the first Cadet Training Ship (Yard-18003) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on 29 Feb 24. The ceremony was presided by R Adm Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area in the presence of R Adm G K Harish, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Head Shipbuilding Business, L&T and other Senior officials from Indian Navy and M/s L&T.
The Contract for indigenous design and construction of the three Cadet Training Ships was concluded between MoD and M/s L&T on 07 Mar 23. These Cadet Training Ships will be utilized for training officer cadets at sea after their basic training ashore. These ships will also extend training facilities to cadets from friendly foreign countries. This is yet another significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s pursuit towards indigenous shipbuilding and is in consonance with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.