New Delhi: The Indian Navy LCU Mk V programme has taken a major step forward with the issuance of a request for information (RFI) for six next-generation Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk V vessels.
The project aims to boost India’s amphibious warfare capabilities, logistics support, and Humanitarian Assistance And Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. The initiative is being pursued under the government’s indigenous defence manufacturing framework, highlighting India’s growing focus on self-reliance in naval capabilities.
Details of Indian Navy LCU Mk V Programme
The Indian Navy has invited Indian shipyards to provide information for the construction of six advanced LCU Mk V vessels.
Read also: Why The Indian Navy Wants A 1,000 Km Ship-Based Loitering Munition With 9-Hour Endurance
The RFI serves as an early-stage process that helps the Navy understand industry capabilities before issuing a formal tender. These vessels are expected to become a key part of India’s amphibious fleet and support operations across coastal and island territories.
What Is An LCU Vessel
A Landing Craft Utility (LCU) is a specialized naval vessel designed to transport troops, tanks, armored vehicles, equipment, and supplies from larger ships directly to shore.
Unlike conventional transport ships, LCUs can operate in shallow waters and land directly on beaches, making them extremely valuable during military operations. They also play an important role during natural disasters, rescue missions, and emergency relief operations.
What are the Key Features Of Indian Navy LCU Mk V Programme
According to the Navy’s requirements, the new vessels will be significantly larger and more capable than the current LCU fleet.
Major Specifications
- Displacement of approximately 1,500 tonnes.
- Maximum speed of at least 15 knots.
- Operational endurance of around 4,500 nautical miles.
- Enhanced troop and vehicle carrying capacity.
- Capability to support long-range logistics missions.
The increased size and endurance will allow these vessels to operate farther from base while carrying heavier loads.
Heavy-Lift Capability To Improve Operational Reach
One of the most significant upgrades is the vessel’s cargo carrying capability. Each LCU Mk V is expected to transport:
- Four Main Battle Tanks such as T-72 or Arjun tanks.
- Four BMP Infantry Combat Vehicles.
- Up to 190 fully equipped troops.
This represents a major improvement in battlefield mobility and rapid deployment capability.
Why This Matters
The ability to transport armored vehicles and soldiers directly to coastal areas provides operational flexibility during military missions. It also enables quick deployment of forces during emergencies and disaster situations.
Strong Focus On Indigenous Manufacturing
The acquisition is categorized under the Buy (Indian – IDDM) category of India’s Defence Procurement Procedure.
What Does Buy (Indian – IDDM) Mean
This category stands for:
Indigenously Designed, Developed, And Manufactured
It is the highest priority procurement category in India’s defence acquisition process. The objective is to maximize local manufacturing content and strengthen India’s domestic defence industrial base.
Major Upgrade Over Existing LCU Fleet
The Indian Navy currently operates eight LCU Mk IV vessels. These ships were built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders And Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and were inducted between 2017 and 2021.
Limitations Of Current Mk IV Vessels
The existing vessels have:
- Displacement of around 830 tonnes.
- Operational range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles.
- Capacity to carry around 160 troops.
While effective, the Mk IV class has limitations in endurance and payload compared to future requirements.
How LCU Mk V Will Be Better
The new LCU Mk V vessels are expected to nearly double displacement and significantly improve operational performance.
Greater Endurance
The operational range is expected to increase from roughly 1,500 nautical miles to about 4,500 nautical miles.
Higher Payload Capacity
The vessels will be capable of transporting heavier military equipment and more troops.
Better Strategic Reach
The Navy will gain greater flexibility for operations in the Indian Ocean Region and island territories.
Enhanced HADR Capability
The ships will be able to carry more relief supplies, rescue teams, and emergency equipment during disasters.
Read also: India Set To Deploy Indigenous Laser Weapon As DRDO Launches Production Push
FAQs
The programme aims to acquire six advanced Landing Craft Utility vessels to improve amphibious warfare, logistics support, and disaster relief operations.
Each vessel is expected to transport four main battle tanks, four BMP infantry combat vehicles, and up to 190 fully equipped troops.
They will enhance military mobility, support island territories, improve disaster response, and strengthen India’s maritime security capabilities.
