The 96-km tidal estuary in the Rann of Kutch straddling the India-Pakistan border – Sir Creek – is of utmost importance to the Indian Armed Forces. In view of this significance, the armed forces last month kicked off the mega tri-service military exercise ‘Trishul’ along the western border with Pakistan, including Sir Creek areas.
Now, taking another step in bolstering its readiness in the region and marking a major step in its modernisation of riverine and coastal warfare assets, the Indian Army has moved ahead with plans to procure fast patrol boats and Landing Craft Assaults (LCAs) meant for deployment in strategically sensitive zones — Sir Creek, the Brahmaputra river basin, the Sunderban Delta, and Eastern Ladakh.
More than a year after projecting the need for these platforms, the Army has now floated two formal Requests for Proposals (RFPs), inviting technical and commercial bids from vendors.
What do these new platforms aim to achieve in combat zones?
The latest RFP seeks eight LCAs capable of high-speed operations across shallow creek systems and open sea conditions. Designed for transporting troops, vehicles, and material, these craft will also support random boat patrols and limited search and rescue missions in Sir Creek and other high-threat water bodies.
The LCAs are expected to carry 35 troops or a Tata Storme-class vehicle, along with equipment and ammunition, supported by a five-member crew. They must also achieve 20 knots and incorporate 60% indigenous content, ensuring compliance with the Army’s Make in India framework, as per a report in The Indian Express.
The earlier RFP, floated last month, covers six fast patrol boats, intended for rapid insertion of small teams for surveillance, reconnaissance, intervention operations, and persistent patrolling of conflict-prone waters. These boats will be capable of operating for six continuous hours at 25–30 knots, carrying eight personnel with a payload of 1,000 kg.
Why does this procurement matter for Sir Creek?
The push for specialised amphibious platforms comes at a time when India’s defence establishment is placing unprecedented emphasis on the Sir Creek region. The area has long been at the centre of territorial disputes, and its marshy, shifting landscape poses unique operational challenges that demand craft optimised for speed, stability, and shallow-water agility.
Recent military activities and political signalling have heightened the strategic relevance of Sir Creek. The Armed Forces conducted Exercise Trishul, a large tri-service drill along the western front, including the desert and creek sectors. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also underlined the region’s sensitivity, warning Pakistan that any misadventure in Sir Creek would be met with a response that could “change both history and geography”.
How will these boats strengthen India’s amphibious ops?
The induction of these new platforms is expected to significantly bolster the Army’s amphibious operations, providing mobility, reach, and rapid response capability in complex littoral environments. From enhancing border domination and surveillance in Sir Creek to enabling swift movement across the Brahmaputra and Eastern Ladakh’s high-altitude water bodies, these vessels will fill a critical operational gap.
With these acquisitions, the Army is not just upgrading its fleet; it is reshaping its operational doctrine to stay ahead in amphibious, creek, and riverine warfare.