LCU L53: Indian Navy inducts third Landing Craft Utility at port Blair

The Indian Navy has inducted Landing Craft Utility (LCU) INLCU L53 at Port Blair. LCU L53 is the third ship in series of eight Mark IV LCU vessels built and designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata for Navy. The first ship of the series was commissioned in 2016.

Key Facts

LCU L53 MK-IV ship is amphibious ship with displacement of 830 Tons and can sail through sea at speed of 15kt. It is capable of carrying 160 troops and transporting 145 tons of military equipment including combat equipment such as Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun, T72 and other Armoured Vehicles.
It is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems such as Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). It is also fitted with indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Stabilised Optronic Pedestal which provides ship requisite offensive capability for undertaking patrolling in addition.
The ship will based in Andaman and Nicobar Command and will help Indian Navy in carrying out multi-role activities, such as beaching operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue and supply and replenishment of distant islands.

Comment

The eight LCU Mark-IV vessels built by GRSE under LCU Mk-IV project are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations jointly carried out Indian Navy and Indian Army to ensure maritime security of Andamans and Lakshadweep islands. The remaining five ships of project are in advanced stage of construction and are scheduled to inducted into Indian Navy by end of 2019. Induction of these ships will contribute to nation’s maritime security needs and will help to accomplish India’s quest for self-reliance in shipbuilding.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018