Indian Navy Keel Laying Ceremony for Indigenous Cadet Training Ship

Defense News ,India :-  In a significant step towards bolstering its indigenous shipbuilding initiative, the Indian Navy celebrated the keel laying ceremony for the first Cadet Training Ship (Yard-18003) on February 29, 2024, at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area, presided over the ceremony, accompanied by Rear Admiral G K Harish, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Head Shipbuilding Business at L&T, and other dignitaries from the Indian Navy and M/s L&T.

The contract for the design and construction of three Cadet Training Ships was formalized between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s L&T on March 7, 2023. These ships are dedicated to training officer cadets at sea post their initial shore-based training, and they will also extend training opportunities to cadets from friendly foreign countries. This move aligns with the Indian Navy's commitment to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) and the 'Make in India' initiatives of the Government of India.

The keel laying ceremony is a crucial tradition in shipbuilding, representing the formal initiation of the ship's construction and marking the laying of its structural foundation. This milestone underscores the Indian Navy's dedication to fostering domestic shipbuilding capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and enhancing self-reliance in maritime defense capabilities.

The Cadet Training Ships are poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying the Indian Navy's training infrastructure, facilitating the grooming of future naval officers, and strengthening maritime security. Additionally, by providing training facilities to cadets from friendly foreign nations, India aims to promote international cooperation and goodwill in the maritime domain.

The successful progress of this indigenous shipbuilding project highlights India's growing prowess in naval technology and manufacturing. It reflects the nation's commitment to innovation, self-sufficiency, and strategic autonomy in defense production. As construction advances on the Cadet Training Ship, the Indian Navy anticipates achieving further milestones in its quest to enhance maritime capabilities and align shipbuilding practices with global standards.