The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the acquisition of three Cadet Training Ships for Rs 3,108.09 crore under the Buy Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category, according to the statement

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a contract with engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the acquisition of three cadet training ships for Rs 3,108.09 crore. The Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that ship deliveries will begin in 2026.

“The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the acquisition of three Cadet Training Ships for Rs 3,108.09 crore under the Buy Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category,” it said.

These ships will train officer cadets, including women, at sea after completing their basic training to meet the Indian Navy's future needs.

“The ships would also train cadets from friendly countries in order to strengthen diplomatic ties. The ships can also be used for people evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR),” according to the statement.

According to the company, the ships will be designed, developed, and built in-house at the L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.

“Over the course of four and a half years, the project will employ 22.5 lakh people. This will encourage Indian shipbuilding and related industries, including MSMEs, to participate actively,” according to the statement.

These vessels will be proud flag bearers of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' with the majority of the equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, in accordance with the government's 'Make in India' initiative, it added.