Indian Army, Navy to Induct Amphibious Combat Boats for Sir Creek Patrols

The Indian Army and Navy are set to induct amphibious combat boats for operational deployment in Sir Creek, a strategically sensitive maritime zone along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat. The move underscores India’s commitment to strengthening surveillance and rapid-response capabilities in one of the world’s most contested shallow-water maritime corridors.

Sir Creek has remained a flashpoint for decades. The 96-kilometre tidal estuary, with its shallow waters and treacherous mud flats, presents unique operational challenges that standard naval vessels cannot effectively address. Amphibious combat boats, also called fast attack craft or riverine assault vessels, are purpose-built for precisely these conditions: they draw minimal water, offer high manoeuvrability, and carry sufficient firepower for patrol and interception missions.

The induction of these craft reflects India’s broader strategy to modernise its coastal defence architecture. The Army and Navy have historically operated separate fleets, but joint procurement initiatives like this represent a shift toward integrated coastal operations. Such boats typically feature lightweight composite hulls, high-speed diesel engines, and modular weapon mounts capable of supporting machine guns, grenade launchers, and surveillance equipment.

India has acquired amphibious platforms from both indigenous and foreign sources in recent years. The DRDO-developed Ashm Mukta fast attack craft and various naval auxiliaries have demonstrated India’s growing indigenous capability in designing shallow-draught vessels. Private shipyards have also expanded their involvement in building patrol craft and smaller combat platforms, supporting India’s Make in India initiative in defence manufacturing.

Sir Creek patrols are conducted by the Coast Guard and Navy, with the Army providing ground-based support for border management. The introduction of joint amphibious assets improves coordination between services and reduces response times during emergencies. The creek’s strategic location near the Rann of Kutch and proximity to international shipping routes make it a critical zone for both military operations and smuggling interdiction.

The new boats will enhance India’s ability to conduct day and night surveillance, intercept unauthorized maritime movement, and respond swiftly to incursions or security threats. Their shallow draught is crucial because Sir Creek’s depths vary from 0.5 to 2 metres depending on tidal conditions, rendering conventional naval destroyers and frigates ineffective in these waters. Only purpose-built shallow-water craft can operate reliably across the seasonal tidal range.

This induction aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in regional waters. Enhanced patrol capacity in Sir Creek also supports India’s broader maritime domain awareness initiatives along the western coast, where the Navy operates in coordination with the Coast Guard and state maritime authorities to counter smuggling, piracy, and unauthorised fishing.