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The third of three landing craft tanks (LCTs) being built at Khulna Shipyard Limited for the Bangladesh Navy has been launched, marking a step towards strengthening the navy’s operational capabilities.
Rear Admiral Mohammad Maksud Alam, assistant chief of naval staff (Material), inaugurated the launching ceremony of the vessel, named LCT-104, at Khulna Shipyard on Saturday, October 24.
The vessels are being built as part of the navy’s modernisation drive and efforts to enhance its three-dimensional operational capabilities. Senior military and civilian officials and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.
According to Khulna Shipyard, each LCT will be capable of carrying 350 troops, six tanks, 12 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), or 18 military vehicles.
The vessels will play an important role in joint amphibious operations involving the army and navy, transporting special forces, and moving heavy military equipment to coastal and island areas.
Beyond military operations, the ships can also be used for disaster management, rescue missions, humanitarian assistance, training and delivering supplies to remote coastal areas.
The shipyard authorities said the three LCTs would be the largest vessels of their kind in the Bangladesh Navy’s existing fleet.
Built to a Canadian design, the vessels are being constructed using specialised AH36 steel. They feature Caterpillar engines from the United States, along with generators and electronic equipment supplied by various Western manufacturers.
The project is expected to contribute to the development of the country’s shipbuilding expertise and defence industry.
Located on 69 acres along the Rupsha River, Khulna Shipyard was established in 1957 with technical assistance from West Germany. It was transferred to the Bangladesh Navy on October 3, 1999.
According to the shipyard, it has built more than 800 ships and vessels and repaired over 2,500. It provides shipbuilding and repair services to various public and private organisations, including the Bangladesh Navy, Army and Coast Guard.
The launch of LCT-104 is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening Bangladesh’s defence capabilities and advancing its domestic shipbuilding industry.