Bengaluru: The Indian Navy inducted a landing craft utility ship. This will be used for a variety of activities like transporting battle tanks and other heavy weapons systems. It will also enhance its amphibious warfare capabilities. Incidentally, this is the eighth and last of the landing craft utility. 

It was commissioned at Port Blair. 

ANI notes that the ship was indigenously designed and built by state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata.

It is to be noted that the primary role of these ships is transporting main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore. 

Additionally, it is to be noted that as many as 5 officers and 50 sailors man it all the time. The ship is further capable of carrying 160 troops.


The ships can be used to perform multi-roles like search and rescue, disaster relief operations, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands, the official said.


"The induction of these ships will contribute to the nation's maritime security needs and is in consonance with the prime minister's vision of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," the website quoted an official as saying.