The Indian Navy has commissioned the third ship of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV project, INLCU L53, at Port Blair in Andaman.

The vessel was designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) as part of a contract for a total of eight planned LCU Mk IV Class vessels for the navy.

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INLCU L53 will be commanded by Indian Navy lieutenant commander Vikas Anand.

The vessel is equipped with a complement of five officers and 45 sailors.

"INLCU L53 is set to be based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command and is anticipated to help strengthen the command’s capability to perform multi-role activities."

It also possesses the capacity to accommodate an additional troop of 160 personnel.

INLCU L53 is set to be based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command and is anticipated to help strengthen the command’s capability to perform multi-role activities, including beaching operations, high-availability disaster recovery (HADR), and search and rescue, as well as the supply and replenishment of distant islands.

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The vessel features a displacement of 830t and is equipped with latest and advanced technologies such as the integrated bridge system (IBS) and the integrated platform management system (IPMS).

It is also set to be fitted with the indigenously manufactured CRN 91 gun with a stabilised optronic pedestal, which is intended to ensure the ship possesses the required offensive capability to carry out patrolling operations.

Furthermore, the LCU MK-IV vessels will be capable of transporting combat equipment such as Main Battle Tanks Arjun, T72 and other armoured vehicles.

The first ship in the series, INLCU L51, was inducted in March last year, with the second vessel following in August of the same year.

The remaining five LCUs are currently in the advanced stage of development and will be commissioned into service over the next 18 months.

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