Indian Navy Inducts Third Landing Craft Utility Mk-1V Ship

The Indian Navy has inducted the third ship of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV project.

Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), LCU MK-IV ship is an amphibious ship with a displacement of 830 Tons and is capable of transporting combat equipment such as Main Battle Tanks Arjun, T72 and other Armoured Vehicles, the Indian ministry of defense said in a statement Wednesday.

The ship is fitted with Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Stabilised Optronic Pedestal.

The ship is capable of carrying 160 troops in addition to five officers and 45 sailors. The ships would be based in the Andaman and Nicobar Command and will undertake multi role activities such as beaching operations, HADR, search/ rescue, and supply and replenishment of distant islands.

The remaining five ships of the project are in an advanced stage of construction and are scheduled to be inducted into Indian Navy over the next year and half. Mk IV LCU class vessels are follow on class of Mk. III LCU operated by the Indian Navy.