Fourth LCU Mk IV launches for Indian Navy
The fourth Indian Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk IV, Yard 2095, was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata on 23 March.
This marks the fourth ship in the series of eight LCUs for the navy. Yard 2095 is designed and built by GRSE, and the ship was named LCU L54.
Two LCUs were launched earlier on 12 March and 23 September 2014, and the third was launched on 16 January 2015. These ships will play a role in transporting main battle tanks, troops and armoured vehicles of the Indian Army during amphibious missions.
The LCUs can be deployed for maritime security roles, beaching and un-beaching operations, evacuation missions, humanitarian relief operations, search and rescue and peace-keeping missions.
More from Naval Warfare
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.