In News:

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Krishna, the first of three indigenously built Cadet Training Ships (CTS), marking a significant step in strengthening sea-based training infrastructure for future naval officers.

About INS Krishna

• First of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) for the Indian Navy.
• Constructed at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard, Kattupalli (near Chennai).
• Designated as Yard 18003 during construction.
• Entirely indigenously built, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Purpose and Role

1. Training Platform

• Functions as a “floating classroom” and “living laboratory.”
• Used for training:
  • Officer cadets (including women)
  • Cadets from friendly foreign countries
• Training areas include:
  • Navigation
  • Seamanship
  • Watch-keeping
  • Practical maritime operations under real sea conditions

Technical Specifications

• Displacement: ~4,700 tonnes
• Maximum speed: 20 knots
• Endurance: 60 days at sea
• Multi-role capability beyond training

Secondary Operational Roles

Apart from training, INS Krishna is designed for:

• Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO)
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Search and Rescue (SAR) missions

This enhances operational flexibility and supports India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Strategic Significance

• Strengthens sea-based officer training capacity of the Indian Navy.
• Enhances practical exposure for cadets under real maritime conditions.
• Supports indigenous defence shipbuilding capability.
• Promotes defence diplomacy through training of foreign cadets.
• Augments India’s capability in HADR and evacuation missions.