Indian Navy takes delivery of final Mark IV LCU

The Indian Navy took delivery of the final one of eight Mark IV landing craft utility (LCU) vessels from local builder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) on Thursday, December 31.

Named L-58, the LCU has a length of 62.8 metres, a beam of 11 metres, a displacement of 830 tonnes, a speed of 15 knots, and space for 216 crew and other personnel. Two CRN 91 30-millimetre naval guns are fitted for self-defence and to provide fire support during landing operations.

The LCU will operate under the navy’s Andaman and Nicobar Command, which provides security for a major trade route to and from India via the South China Sea.