Indian Navy to procure 6 more landing craft utility platforms to boost amphibious ops

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.