LONDON – In a significant development reflecting deepening defence ties, the United Kingdom has formally handed over three refurbished Royal Marines Landing Craft Air Cushion (Light), or LCAC(L), to the Pakistan Navy. The delivery, which also includes spare parts and logistical support, is part of a broader push to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation.
The hovercraft, originally retired from active duty in 2021, were overhauled by Southampton-based Griffon Marine Support under a contract awarded by the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency in 2022. The boats were restored to operational condition by the DE&S Boats Team, while the DE&S Exports and Sales Team managed the government-to-government transfer process.
Capable of operating across both land and water, the LCAC(L) platforms are known for their agility in shallow waters — making them well-suited for coastal patrols, amphibious landings, and humanitarian response operations in disaster-prone areas.
At a formal handover ceremony in London, attended by senior military officials and representatives from both governments, the strategic nature of the deal was highlighted by Commodore Richard Whalley, Head of Exports and Sales at DE&S.
“This sale continues a long history of excellent defence equipment transfers with Pakistan. It reaffirms our robust defence relationship and supports the Pakistan Navy’s amphibious capabilities, while also delivering value back into the UK defence budget,” Whalley said.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy echoed similar sentiments, calling the acquisition a boost to national maritime preparedness.
“The Pakistan Navy places high value on its defence cooperation with the United Kingdom. These hovercraft will play a key role in strengthening our maritime security operations as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities,” the spokesperson said.
Pakistan has used similar craft in the past, and the latest additions are expected to enhance the Navy’s operational reach in multi-domain maritime environments — particularly in regions where terrain complexity demands versatile amphibious support.
Under a separate arrangement, Griffon Marine Support will also provide ongoing maintenance and technical support for the hovercraft, ensuring long-term sustainability.
“We are proud to support both the UK and Pakistan Navies through this collaboration,” said Dan Pountney, Head of Griffon Marine Support. “This transfer represents a successful model of refurbished defence solutions being repurposed for allied forces.”
Defence analysts believe the UK’s move reflects a growing trend of leveraging surplus assets to support regional partners, thereby bolstering collective security and projecting soft power through strategic equipment sharing.
The deal not only strengthens the Pakistan Navy’s amphibious response capabilities but also signals a renewed phase in UK–Pakistan defence relations — one marked by cooperation, capability building, and shared regional interests.
