By Staff Correspondent
In a recent development, the Indian Union Cabinet has given the green light to a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the acquisition of three Cadet Training Ships. The ships will be purchased at an estimated cost of Rs 3,108.09 crore under the Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)} category. The delivery of these ships is slated to begin in 2026.
The primary purpose of these ships is to facilitate the training of officer cadets, including women, at sea after their basic training. The ultimate goal is to meet the future requirements of the Indian Navy. Additionally, the ships will provide training to cadets from friendly countries, promoting diplomatic relations. In times of crisis, the vessels will also be deployed for evacuation and humanitarian relief efforts.
The Cadet Training Ships will be designed, developed, and constructed at L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai, in accordance with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. The project will generate an employment opportunity of 22.5 lakh man-days over a period of four-and-a-half years. This will encourage active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs. With the majority of the equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels are meant to be a flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
