The Indian Navy has introduced dedicated “floating classrooms” for cadets with the launch of INS Krishna, the first of a new class of indigenous three Cadet Training Ships (CTS). These ships are designed to provide hands-on training in navigation, seamanship, and watch-keeping under real sea conditions, a significant upgrade from earlier limited sea training opportunities. The three CTS vessels will form the core of the Navy’s sea training program for the next 30 years, taking cadets onboard soon after their basic shore-based training.
In a traditional launch ceremony, Anupama Chauhan, wife of CDS General Anil Chauhan, commissioned INS Krishna in the presence of senior armed forces officials and representatives from shipbuilder Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Constructed at L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, INS Krishna (Yard 18003) is slated for formal delivery and operational readiness by the end of the year. The ships will also accommodate cadets from friendly foreign nations, strengthening India’s defense cooperation.
Beyond training, the CTS vessels are capable of supporting non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and search-and-rescue missions. INS Krishna can host 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets at once. It features three classrooms accommodating 70 cadets each, a dedicated training bridge, and a chart house. With a displacement of roughly 4,700 tonnes, the ship can reach a top speed of 20 knots and sustain operations at sea for up to 60 days.
