IN LCU L-56 commissioned into Indian Navy

IN LCU L-56, the sixth indigenously built Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class ship was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 29, 2019. The amphibious ship was commissioned by Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam.

LCU 56

IN LCU L-56 is the sixth of the eight indigenously built LCU MK IV class ships. It is an amphibious ship, the primary role of which will be transportation and deployment of armoured vehicles, main battle tanks, troops and equipment from ship to shore and vice-versa. The LCU L56 would be administered and based in Port Blair under the NAVCC in Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).

LCU 56: Significance

The indigenously designed LCU L-56 portrays Indian Navy’s growing capability in becoming self-reliant. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. With LCU L-56, GRSE has become the first shipyard in India to have built the 100th warship. The naval ship’s making is in line with the ruling government’s ‘Make in India’ programme.

LCU 56: Objective

The LCU L-56 will boost the maritime and HADR capability of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), as the ship will be useful in conducting multiple operations. The ship can be deployed for search and rescue missions, disaster relief operations, beaching operations, surveillance operations and coastal patrol along the Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands.