The commissioning into the Indian Navy of the first of the eight LCU Mk.4 ships on order from GRSE, Kolkata on March 28, 2017 at Port Blair, marked the start of the augmentation of the Navy’s amphibious assault capability. Future acquisitions include four LPDs to be built indigenously, two each in the private and the public sector
Indian Navy is clearly and steadily building its amphibious warfare capabilities, with the latest induction of a Landing Craft Utility (LCU) L51 on March 28 at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The honours during the induction were done by Andaman and Nicobar Commander Vice Admiral Bimal Verma in the presence of Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition Vice Admiral Dilip M Deshpande.
The LCU was built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) as part of an eight-ship order for the Mk-IV class of LCUs that has been ordered with the g ove r n m e n t - ow n e d defence shipyard. The LCU commissioned as L51 is the first of these eight ships that GRSE is building for the Navy. Conceived and designed indigenously, the commissioning of the L51 adds a feather to the nation's 'Make in India' initiatives and indigenisation efforts in the field of warship design and construction by the Indian Navy and Indian shipyards.
With a displacement of 900 tonnes, the ship spans 62.8 metre in length and 11 metre in breadth. The ship is propelled by two MTU diesel engines of 1840 KW rating and can sustain speeds up to 15 knots. The ship has been built to assist in amphibious operations by carrying out beaching operations and has an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 12 knots. The ship provides a draught of 1.7 metre and depth of 4 metres, and is equipped with a 350-KW diesel generator set.
The ship will also play a key role in carrying out maritime surveillance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for preventing anti-poaching, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, poaching and other illegal activities. It will also enhance the capabilities of the Andaman and Nicobar Command in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
