L&T-class Cadet Training Ship

Design
The L&T-class training vessels have a length of 122 meters and a beam of 18 meters with a displacement of around 4,700 tonnes and a design speed of over 20 knots. These vessels will have an endurance of 60 days. The ship has a range of 1,2070 km at 15 knots. The ship can accommodate 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets. The training vessels will have three classrooms with space for 70 cadets each, a chart house, and special training bridges for cadets. The CTS will feature a quick-reaction team room, magazines and weaponry supplies, and distinct spaces for mechanical and aircraft. Additionally, they will have logistical areas like quarter-decks, boat decks, accommodation ladders, and galleys. The ships will have an automatic "Helo landing and traversing system" for on-board helicopter operations. Armaments include OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun, 2 AK-630 CIWS and 12.7 mm calibre machine guns equipped with each Fire Control System. The vessels are based on an GSL's in-house design.

Following the basic training, these ships will support the at-sea training of officer cadets, including female cadets, to fulfil the future requirements of the Indian Navy. In an effort to improve diplomatic ties, the ships would also train cadets from friendly nations. The ships can also be used for evacuation of people and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Construction history
On 7 March 2023, the Ministry of Defence awarded the contract for three Cadet Training Ships to Larsen & Toubro. The cost of the project amounts to inr 31080900000. Under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category, L&T will design, develop, and manufacture these ships indigenously. As per the contract, the delivery of the ships will commence from 2026.

The main contractor is L&T Defence, while the ships will be built in the facilities of L&T Shipbuilding. Bharat Electronics signed a inr 8470000000.000001 contract with L&T in March 2024 to supply 14 types of communications and electronic warfare systems for the cadet training ships.

On 25 February 2024, the keel of the first Cadet Training ship was laid. The ceremony was presided by Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area and presence of other important officers.

On 20 April 2024, steel cutting ceremony of the third ship was held in Kattupalli Shipyard.

On 3 June 2024, the keel of the second ship was laid. The ceremony was presided by Rear Admiral Sandeep Mehta, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (ACWP&A). The Head Shipbuilding Business, L&T, RAdm G K Harish (retd.) was also present along with other officers from Navy and L&T.