UK sells three surplus Royal Marines hovercraft to Pakistan Navy

The UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency, operating on behalf of the country's government, has completed the sale of three surplus landing craft air cushion (light) hovercraft and associated spares to the Pakistan Navy.

The hovercraft were previously used by the Royal Marines and were decommissioned from service in 2021. In 2022, DE&S awarded a contract to UK-based Griffon Marine Support to refurbish the craft and prepare them for transfer. A handover event was recently held in London.

Commodore Richard Whalley of DE&S stated that the sale supports the Pakistan Navy’s ability to enhance its coastal and amphibious operations. A Pakistan Navy spokesperson confirmed the acquisition will enhance their defence capabilities, particularly in maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

Griffon Marine Support will continue to provide in-service support for the hovercraft under a separate contract with the Pakistan Navy. The company noted it has supported the UK's hovercraft fleet with maintenance and other related works for the past seven years.