Indian Navy LCU Mk-V: Indian Navy is preparing to deliver military logistics in its amphibious operation and island terrain and to new strengthen the capacity of disaster relief missions. The Directorate of Naval Ship Production under the Ministry of Defence has released the Request for Information (RFI) for construction of six new landing Craft Utility MK-5 (LCU MK-5).
These new ships will be equipped with better weapons and sensors operating for a considerable, longer distance than existing LCU MK-4. These must be used to transport troops, tanks, armored vehicles, military equipments and disaster relief materials to coastal areas and islands.
Indian Navy LCU Mk-V: How different will be from existing LCU MK-4
Indian Navy There are currently eight LCU MK-4 ships. He was built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). All ships from L-51 to L-58 were included in the Navy between 2017 to 2021.
These ships are about 63 meters long and weighing about 1,000 tons. The main operation area is Andaman and Nicobar command.
While the new generation LCU MK-5 will be about 85 meters long and the weight is placed about 1,500 tons. I.e. in both size and carrying capacity it will be significantly larger than before ships.
The maximum speed of the ship will be at least 15 nos. Its operational range will be about 4,500 knots, which is about three times higher than the existing LCU.
Ability to transport tanks and troops directly to the coast
The main objective of the LCU MK-5 is to deliver troops and military equipment from the sea to the straight coast.
Naval has sought special beaching capacity for ship. This means that the ship can go straight to the beach without the port and unload the tank, vehicle and soldiers through its ramp.
According to RFI the ship will have big bo door and ramp on the front side. Heavy military vehicles will be able to land directly on the beach.
Inside the ship will arrange large vehicle decks and cargo hold. It will be able to carry military equipment in various configurations.
Four ships together according to RFI Main Battle Tank And the four BMP infantry will take the fitting vehicle. Alternatively ten Heavy Military Vehicles or other Mixed Military Mixed Weights will also be taken.
In addition, the ship will have a capacity to carry about 190 soldiers and five officers. The ship’s own crew will be around 81 people. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V
Long Distance Mission in Indian Ocean Region
LCU MK-5 will be designed for operation throughout the Indian Ocean region. The ship will be made operational in different marine conditions. It will be given the ability to travel safe to operation and State-6 in all directions upto C State-5. This ship can also be used in long distance military and humanitarian campaigns.
The ability to run a continuous campaign for about 30 days is also sought. The estimated life cycle of the ship is kept at least 30 years. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V
will also be equipped with arms
LCU MK-5 will be equipped with multiple modern weapon systems for self-defense. Two AK-630 onboard as per RFI Close-in Weapon System will be applied. These are a sharp firing of 30 mm that can protect against missiles, drones and low-range aerial threats.
Also two 12.7mm remote controlled guns will be installed.
The ship will also include electro-optical infrared search and track system (EOIRST), visual short range air defense system (VSHORADS) and modern fire control systems.
Acoustic warning system i.e. LRAD has also been sought for protection. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V
Sensors and Communication Systems will be the state-of-the-art
Naval will also be installed advanced sensors and communication systems in the ship. Integrated Bridge System, Combat Management System, Dual Channel Eco Sounder, Automatic Identification System (AIS), IFF MK-12 and Indian Sailor based GNSS receiver will be installed onboard.
Systems like Advanced Composite Communication Systems, Rukmini Satcom, UHF Satcom, Inmarsat and GMDS for Communication. Electronic Support Major (ESM), GNSS jammer and lightweight common systems will also be part of the ship.
The Navy wants all sensors, weapons and command systems to work on a shared network to use the ship in a network-centric operation. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V
Support of helicopters and UAVs
Two seven meters long ridged plough boat will be deployed on LCU MK-5. There will also be four Gemini boats. Cranes, towing arrangements and stern fueling systems will be applied to ship heavy goods.
The ship must have a launch and recovery system for Marine Systems having UAV or remote operation in accordance with RFI. While there should also be special equipment for Coastal Survey and the ability of Autonomous Platform operation. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V
equipped with two diesel engines
Two main diesel engines will be installed in the new LCU MK-5. They have two gearboxes and two shafting systems. Ship will be constructed from DMR-249A steel. With this, modern digital systems like digital twin technology, product date management and life cycle management will be included.
The ship will also have Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and Battle Damage Control System, which will monitor engine, electricity, machinery and damage control from the same control center.
Special emphasis on NBC security and disaster relief
Naval has also included Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Security Systems in the ship. The radiation detection system, biological and chemical agent detector and briding uprising charging systems will be installed in the ship. Advances will also be firefighting systems and damage control systems to deal with emergencies like fire and flood.
Also reverse osmosis based wire purification plant and air conditioning systems will be planted in the ship. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V
Indigenous category will be purchased
According to RFI Document, the Indian Navy has placed this project in the Bye (Indian-IDDM) category. Under this, the design of the ship should be developed in India and at least 50 per cent of the indigenous material should be used. Indian Navy LCU Mk-V













