New Delhi: India amphibious combat boats procurement for Sir Creek are set to become a major part of the country’s border security strategy. The Ministry of Defence has started the procurement process for 11 indigenous high-speed amphibious combat boats to improve surveillance, rapid troop movement, and anti-infiltration operations in the strategically important Sir Creek region along the India-Pakistan border. The project is being carried out under the government’s ‘Buy (Indian)’ category to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
What is the Importance of Sir Creek
Sir Creek is a 96-kilometre tidal estuary located between Gujarat in India and Pakistan’s Sindh province. It remains one of the unresolved maritime boundary disputes between the two countries. The marshy terrain and shallow waterways make conventional military vehicles less effective. Amphibious combat boats can travel on both land and water, making them ideal for operations in this difficult environment.
Defence Ministry Begins Indigenous Amphibious Combat Boats Procurement
The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new boats under the Buy (Indian) procurement category. The project requires at least 60% indigenous content, supporting the government’s Make in India and defence manufacturing initiatives. Deliveries are expected to be completed within 24 months after the contract is awarded.
Key Features of the Indigenous Amphibious Combat Boats
According to the procurement details, each boat will offer advanced mobility and battlefield capability. Key specifications include:
- Capacity to carry 12 fully equipped soldiers and a two-member crew
- Payload capacity of around 1,560 kg
- Hydraulically operated amphibious drive system for land and water movement
- Maximum water speed of over 40 knots
- Land speed of 10–15 km/h
- Ballistic protection for crew safety
- Weapon mounting points at both the front and rear
- Electro-optical and infrared surveillance systems
- Radar, GPS, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and gyro compass
- Shock-absorbing seats for safer operations
- Ability to climb gradients of up to 15 degrees
Indigenous Amphibious Combat Boats Procurement: Designed for Rapid Military Deployment
The boats are designed to operate in marshes, creeks, shallow waters and difficult terrain. They can also be transported quickly using Indian Air Force IL-76 and C-17 aircraft or heavy tank transporters, allowing rapid deployment to operational areas whenever required.
Army to Receive Most of the Boats
The Defence Ministry plans to procure 11 amphibious combat boats. Most of these boats will be deployed with the Indian Army in the Sir Creek sector, while a smaller number will be allocated to the Indian Navy for maritime operations.
What is the Importance of Indigenous Amphibious Combat Boats Procurement
The procurement comes as India continues to strengthen security along sensitive border areas. According to reports, the decision follows intelligence assessments regarding increased infrastructure development and military activity near the Pakistan side of Sir Creek. The new platforms are expected to improve surveillance, border patrolling, rapid response, and anti-infiltration capabilities in one of India’s most challenging operational environments.
