First Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Launch by End 2014

Landing Craft Utility under construction at GRSE, Calcutta.

The GOI has ordered 8 Landing Craft Utility (LCU) for the Indian Navy from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Calcutta. The ships are being acquired to transport, deploy, and recover troops and equipment across the sea. Secondary roles for the ships would be::

1. Peace Keeping
2. Search and Rescue
3. Humanitarian Relief Operations
4. Supply and Replenishment

The Indian Navy signed the contract for the ships with GRSE on September 29, 2011, with the first ship to be delivered in 35 months.

The keels for the first two ships of the class were laid on April 24, 2013. The first ship is to be launched later this year. Fitment and Navy trials will follow. 

The project appears to be at least a year behind schedule.

IDP Members can read the details about the project and the LCUs under construction at the link below.

Landing Craft Utility Acquisition (IDP Sentinel)