India’s Naval Capabilities to get Strengthened: L&T to Build Three Cadet Training Ships for Navy

These new vessels are intended to train the Indian Navy's officer cadets at sea after they complete their basic training. The ships will also be useful for other missions, such as disaster relief, casualty evacuation, and humanitarian assistance.

Moreover, the procurement of these new platforms is expected to enhance India's existing diplomatic ties as cadets from partner nations will receive training aboard these vessels. L&T will design, develop, and construct the vessels at their shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai, with the delivery of the ships slated to begin in 2026. According to the MoD, the project will generate over two million man-days of work for the next four and a half years, providing an opportunity to engage with various industry partners and micro, small, and medium enterprises from India.

The majority of the equipment, components, and subsystems used in the construction of the vessels will be sourced from Indian manufacturers, further boosting the Indian government's ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the contract, stating that the new ships would meet the Indian Navy's future requirements for cadet training.