Quote:
Originally Posted by Sea Toby
The US is building new LPDs to replace their older LPDs. The new San Antonio class LPDs costs over $1.5 billion. India is getting an older used LPD for $50 million. Yes, the United States do have strings for their FMS programs, always have.
Never-the-less India is getting a wonderful old ship. The ship is designed to carry several helicopters, can transport easily over 500 troops, and all of their equipment and supplies. The United States have found these ships useful for amphibious operations, and for civilian evacuations. These ships have also been very useful in humanitarian missions after earthquakes, floods, drought, and after volcanic eruptions.
India got a steal, Australia paid much more converting a LST into a lesser ship 15 years ago.
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Man 50 million USD, i bet even the helicopters would have been more expensive than that, a good way to slowly learn and increase the Amphibious ability of the navy.
I hope the navy comes out with a statement soon, this is turning into the good old mud slinging politics.
The ship will also be used in many situations, besides serving as a training platform.
If a situation where it has to be used in a "offensive situation" comes around, i doubt the Navy will wait around for the American permission to do so.