U.S. Navy Seeks Logistics, Repair, Maintenance Facilities in India

The United States is looking to India as a provider of logistics, repair and maintenance (LR & M) infrastructure for its ships, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a news conference Thursday.

“The United States intends to support India in the creation of logistics, repair and maintenance infrastructure for aircraft and ships,” he said referring to the growing military tries between both countries.

"In light of the ..(Indian). Prime Minister's visit today, and Secretary Austin's recent visit (to India), …, this is really part of a wide-ranging strategic partnership….And the focus here is really on a continued commitment to defense cooperation to promote regional security and stability, not only an Indo-Pacific region, but globally," a Pentagon press release said quoted Gen. Ryder.

U.S. naval activity in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific have increased significantly in the last few years as it seeks to contain China’s growing naval presence there amid Beijing’s claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

In order to reduce downtime of U.S. naval ships operating in the Indo-Pacific region; logistics, repair and maintenance facilities are needed in Asia so that these ships do not undertake the long voyage to the U.S. mainland. If such facilities are available locally, this time can be cut to weeks instead of months it now takes to turnaround naval ships.

The U.S. has established LR & M facilities in several countries in Asia including the Philippines, South Korea and Singapore where smaller ships and auxiliary vessels like fleet replenishment tankers are serviced.

However, it is now considering repairing even frontline  warships such as destroyers, frigates, and amphibious vessels at bases of friendly countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Nuclear powered aircraft carriers and submarines will not be past of this plan, Nikkei Asia reported.