Thursday, December 1 2005 18:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government is processing a proposal for acquisition of a 40-year old Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship from the United States, Lok Sabha was informed today (Dec 1, 2005).

"A case for acquiring LPD, which is almost four decades old, from the USA is being processed. Discussions have been held with USA regarding this proposal," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said during Question Hour.

"A naval delegation has also assessed the LPD and estimated its residual life to be between 12-15 years," he said, adding that the ship could provide the Indian Navy enhanced amphibious capability.

In addition, Mukherjee said the LPD could be deployed for disaster relief operations and also function as a command and control platform during mishaps at sea, like offshore oil installation fires and maritime air accidents.