Australian Army enhances littoral reach with new landing craft
The Australian Army’s LCM-8 fleet, an example of which is seen here, will be replaced by the LMV-M. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
The Australian Army is set to enhance its amphibious capabilities with the accelerated delivery of new, long-range Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels-Medium (LMV-M) by 2026, as announced by Pat Conroy, the country’s minister for defence industry, in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
The Australian Army has relied on 15 ageing LCM-8 landing craft for more than five decades, but two new types of domestically built, independent, long-range landing craft will give the army a much-needed amphibious shot in the arm.
Responding to strident calls in last year’s Defence Strategic Review for littoral sealift, Pat Conroy, minister for defence industry in the country’s government, announced on 23 July that delivery of 18 49m-long Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels-Medium (LMV-M) was being accelerated.
The first LMV-M under Project Land 8710 Phase 1A will now be ready by 2026 with the AU$2 billion (US$1.3 billion) project set
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter]()
US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
