The Indian Navy is planning to acquire six new Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk V vessels from Indian shipyards to strengthen its amphibious operations, logistics and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
The Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to Indian shipyards for the proposed procurement.
Landing Craft Utility vessels are designed to transport troops, tanks, armoured vehicles and heavy equipment between ships and shore. They can also be used for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, medical evacuation and other maritime operations.
The Indian Navy currently operates eight LCU Mk IV vessels, which are mainly deployed under the Andaman and Nicobar Command. These ships can carry main battle tanks, armoured vehicles and up to 160 personnel.
Under the new requirement, the proposed LCU Mk V vessels are expected to have a displacement of around 1,500 tonnes and carry at least four main battle tanks, four BMP infantry combat vehicles and around 190 troops.
The vessels are also expected to achieve a top speed of at least 15 knots and have an endurance of around 4,500 nautical miles.
The procurement is planned under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, which focuses on indigenously designed, developed and manufactured defence equipment. Shipyards have also been asked to provide details of the indigenous content of their proposed vessels.
The Navy has invited Indian shipyards to use the RFI as advance information to obtain necessary government approvals and prepare the required infrastructure, manpower and materials for the project.
