New Delhi: In a significant strategic move aimed at fortifying India’s maritime security architecture, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire four fixed-wing amphibious aircraft on a four-year wet lease basis for the Indian Navy.
This decision underscores a renewed focus on enhancing coastal defence, maritime reconnaissance, search-and-rescue (SAR) capabilities and rapid operational readiness across India’s vast maritime domain.
What is the Importance of Amphibious Aircraft
India’s maritime responsibilities continue to expand with a coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometers and critical island territories such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep requiring robust surveillance and response capabilities.
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The planned amphibious aircraft, capable of landing and taking off from both water and conventional airstrips, will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s reach and responsiveness to threats and contingencies.
Under a wet lease arrangement, the selected lessor will not only provide the aircraft but also supply flight crew, cabin crew, maintenance, insurance and support services, enabling the Navy to achieve immediate operational capability without extensive infrastructure buildup or training delays.
Primary Roles of the Amphibious Aircraft
According to the RFI, the amphibious aircraft will be tasked with:
- Long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations
- Operational logistics support
- Humanitarian assistance and casualty evacuation (HADR)
- Special operations deployment
Secondary roles are expected to include anti-piracy patrols, anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics missions, particularly in sectors where conventional air infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
Strategic Importance for India’s Maritime Security
India’s maritime domain extends from the Arabian Sea in the West to the Bay of Bengal in the East, with increasing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Amphibious aircraft fill a unique capability gap — offering rapid mobility, flexible basing, and versatility in missions ranging from disaster response to maritime domain awareness (MDA), all of which are critical given evolving regional security dynamics.
These aircraft will allow:
- Quicker response times in maritime emergencies
- Enhanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) coverage
- Improved maritime law enforcement in coastal waters
- Support for offshore assets and island defence
With rising transnational threats such as piracy, smuggling, terrorism and climate-driven disasters, this lease is viewed as a pragmatic bridge to build enduring amphibious capabilities while longer-term indigenous options are explored.
Technical and Capability Specifications in RFI
The MoD’s RFI outlines strict technical prerequisites focused on maritime-ready operations:
- Corrosion-resistant airframes tailored for sustained use in salty and humid environments
- Advanced navigation and avionics suites suitable for SAR and ISR missions
- State-of-the-art communication systems and satellite navigation
- High-end sensors and visual aids for long-range search missions
- Survival and safety equipment optimized for remote marine scenarios
Responses are invited only from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or their Authorised Lessors, with submissions due by March 5, 2026.
Past Amphibious Aircraft Initiatives and Why Leasing Makes Sense Now
This is not India’s first engagement with amphibious aircraft concepts. Nearly a decade ago, the country explored acquiring ShinMaywa US-2 seaplanes from Japan under a manufacturing and assembly pact — a project that eventually stalled due to high costs and contractual complexities.
With no fixed-wing amphibious aircraft currently in active service, a wet lease offers a cost-effective, quick and scalable solution that allows the Indian Navy to assess operational value and usability before committing to permanent acquisitions.
