Keel Laying Ceremony of the first Cadet Training Ship (Yard-18003) was held at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on February 29, 2024. The ceremony was presided by Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area in presence of Rear Admiral G.K. Harish, (Retd), Head Shipbuilding Business, L&T and other Senior officials from Indian Navy and L&T.

The Contract for indigenous design and construction of the three Cadet Training Ships was concluded between MoD and L&T on March 7, 2023. These Cadet Training Ships will be utilized for training officer cadets at sea after their basic training ashore. These ships will also extend training facility to cadets from friendly foreign countries. This is yet another significant milestone in Indian Navy's pursuit towards indigenous shipbuilding and is in consonance with Government of India's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives.