Navy launches locally built LCT-101

Bangladesh Navy on Thursday launched the Landing Craft Tank (LCT)-101 at Khulna Shipyard, marking another milestone in the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The launching ceremony was inaugurated by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, according to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Speaking at the event, Admiral Hassan said members of the armed forces would perform their duties with sincerity and professionalism to meet all challenges, including ensuring a free and fair election. 

He added that joint forces would also play an important role in recovering looted and illegal weapons.

According to ISPR, the LCTs are designed to support coastal amphibious operations by transporting tanks, artillery and armoured personnel carriers. 

In peacetime, the vessels can also be deployed for disaster response, humanitarian assistance and rescue operations.

Built under the supervision of the Bangladesh Navy with technical support from Canada-based Vard Marine, each LCT has the capacity to carry six tanks, twelve armoured personnel carriers or eighteen military vehicles.

The vessel was constructed at Khulna Shipyard Limited (Khushili), a leading state-owned shipbuilding and repair facility located on the Rupsha River. 

The shipyard has built more than 800 vessels, undertakes around 3,000 tonnes of steelwork annually and generates nearly Tk700 crore in revenue.

The LCT-101 has also been awarded the ‘Green Factory Award 2025’ in recognition of its environmentally friendly operations.

The launching ceremony was attended by senior military and civilian officials.

SH