Article Posted on : - Oct 06, 2011

LCM-1E landing craft. Photo: Navantia.

MADRID (BNS): Australia has roped Navantia for the construction of 12 new landing craft for its new Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious ships, according to the company.

The Spanish shipbuilder is also constructing Australia's new Air-Warfare Destroyers (AWD) and two amphibious ships (LHD).

The decision was announced by the Australian Minister for Defence Hon Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel, Hon Jason Clare.

Each LCM-1E landing craft weighs 110 tonnes and they are already in service with the Spanish navy.

The company will deliver the first four new LHDs in 2014 to Australian Navy.