Navantia Australia has partnered with CIMIC Group company UGL to place a joint bid for the Australian Department of Defence’s (DoD) LAND 8710 Phase 1 Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel Medium (LMV-M) programme.

The programme involves replacing the Australian Army’s LCM-8 with a new landing craft.

The two companies, if selected, will provide an LMV-M solution leveraging domestic industrial capability, including design, construction works and a local supply chain. Both firms have previously worked on and delivered Australian Defence Force (ADF) projects.

Navantia Australia managing director Israel Lozano said “The partnership between Navantia Australia and UGL offers combined experience in collaborating with both Navy and Army, to deliver superior results.

“Together we offer DoD a highly compliant design, cost-effective delivery, surety of supply, contribution to the Naval Shipbuilding Plan and maximum Australian content.”

UGL managing director Doug Moss said: “I’m pleased that UGL has teamed with Navantia Australia to bring our substantial Australian heavy manufacturing expertise and genuine Australian sovereign capability to enhance the Australian naval shipbuilding capability.”

Navantia Australia first unveiled its plans to bid for the Landing Craft replacement last year at the Land Forces Exhibition.

It also showcased a series of locally designed landing craft variants named Kodal at the event.

The deadline for tender submissions is 14 June 2022.

Last week, Raytheon Australia announced that it has collaborated with Austal and BMT Group to bid for the LAND 8710-1A programme.

Australia is investing around $577.04m (A$800m) in the Littoral Manoeuvre – Light project, LAND 8710 Phase 1 to bolster the amphibious capabilities of the Army.