NEW DELHI: To strengthen its amphibious operations, logistics and HADR capabilities, the Indian Navy is planning to procure six landing craft utility (LCU) MK V from Indian shipyards as it has issued a request for information (RFI) for six such platforms.A Landing Craft Utility (LCU) is a rugged, steel-hulled watercraft used by amphibious forces to transport heavy equipment, vehicles, and troops from ship to shore, along a coast, or back to warships. They are also used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, medical evacuation and specialized maritime operations.The Indian Navy currently has 8 active Landing Craft Utility (LCU) ships, all belonging to the indigenous Mk IV class. These amphibious ships displace about 830 tonnes and are primarily stationed under the Andaman and Nicobar Command for beaching, transport, and humanitarian missions. They can transport Main Battle Tanks (like Arjun or T-72), armoured vehicles, and up to 160 troops.According to the RFI, “The procurement of the vessel will be as per Defence Procurement Procedure 2.0, and accordingly shipyards are required to submit the details regarding indigenous content. The categorisation for the procurement is intended to be under Buy (Indian – IDDM).”Such a vessel with a displacement of 1,500 tonnes should be capable of carrying at least four main battle tanks (MBTs), 4 BMP infantry combat vehicles, and 190 troops and should have maximum speed of 15 knots or more with an endurance of around 4,500 nautical miles.“Shipyards may consider this RFI as advance information to obtain requisite govt clearances and setting up of necessary infrastructure both in terms of manpower and material requirements,” it said .
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