Three decommissioned Royal Marines hovercraft have been sold to Pakistan in a government-to-government deal aimed at supporting coastal and humanitarian operations, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has confirmed.The Landing Craft Air Cushion (Light), or LCAC(L), were previously operated by 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines before being withdrawn from service in 2021. The vessels have now been refurbished and transferred to the Pakistan Navy as part of a broader UK effort to deliver surplus military assets to partner nations through DE&S’s Exports and Sales Team.
The platform, capable of operating over both land and water, is considered well-suited to the maritime geography of Pakistan’s coastal regions. It will be used for tasks including shallow-water patrols, amphibious support, humanitarian relief, and rapid deployment operations.According to DE&S, the hovercraft were prepared for delivery by Southampton-based Griffon Marine Support under contract. The company, which has provided maintenance and refit services to DE&S for several years, will also supply in-service support for the craft under a direct agreement with the Pakistan Navy.
Commodore Richard Whalley, Head of Exports and Sales at DE&S, said the agreement builds on a “long history of excellent defence equipment sales with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” He added that “by transferring these proven assets, we are supporting the Pakistan Navy’s ability to enhance its coastal and amphibious operations, supporting our shared goal of maintaining global security as well as providing a return for the UK’s defence budget.”
