Scheduled for delivery within 18 months, the training ship will feature a cutting‑edge navigation system, an advanced communications suite, and helicopter operation capability, creating a world‑class learning environment at sea.
In a significant boost to India’s maritime industry, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI), the country’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, has secured a prestigious defence export order from the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to supply a state‑of‑the‑art training ship.
The vessel, designed to support the Royal Navy of Oman’s advanced naval training and maritime operations, is scheduled for delivery within 18 months. This order reinforces India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and its growing stature as a global maritime hub, while further deepening bilateral relations and maritime cooperation between the two nations.
The announcement comes shortly after SDHI signed a $227 million (₹19 billion) contract with European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS for six chemical tankers on January 23, highlighting the company’s expanding global footprint.
Rear Admiral VK Saxena (Retd), CEO, SDHI, remarked, “This contract stands as a testament to our advanced technical expertise and world‑class shipbuilding capabilities that meet global benchmarks. Earning the confidence of the Royal Navy of Oman reinforces SDHI’s commitment to excellence and drives us to consistently deliver high‑quality vessels distinguished by innovation, reliability and performance.”
Measuring 104.25 metres in length, with a beam of 13.88 metres and a displacement of up to 3,500 tonnes, the training vessel will feature modern classrooms, training offices, accommodation facilities, and an auditorium capable of hosting up to 70 officer cadets. It will be equipped with a cutting‑edge navigation system, an advanced communications suite, and the capability to conduct helicopter operations, providing a world‑class learning environment at sea.
The development comes at a time when Indian shipyards are increasingly asserting their global competitiveness, buoyed by strategic support from the ministries of Finance, Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Defence. It aligns with India’s broader vision to reclaim its maritime legacy and strengthen its role in the global naval and commercial shipping arena.