India's Next Move In Sir Creek: Army To Get High-Speed Combat Boats That Run On Water And Land

Last Updated:July 15, 2026, 09:15 IST

During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had attempted to target infrastructure in the Creek sector using drones, prompting a renewed focus on strengthening mobility and surveillance.

The Indian Defence Ministry has started the process to procure indigenous high-speed amphibious combat boats for the Indian Army in Creek Sector. The boats will be capable of operating both in water and on land through a hydraulically operated amphibious drive system. These boats will be deployed for surveillance, anti-infiltration operations and rapid troop insertion in difficult terrain near the disputed region that remains one of the tension points between India and Pakistan.

The procurement has been initiated under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, requiring a minimum 60 per cent indigenous content, in line with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been issued, with deliveries expected to be completed within 24 months of the contract being awarded.

As per sources, each platform will be able to carry at least 12 fully combat-loaded personnel, including a two-member crew, with a payload of around 1,560 kg. The boats will feature protected storage for ammunition and grenades, integrated navigation and communication systems, electro-optical and infrared surveillance equipment, radar, GPS, AIS, gyro compass and shock-mitigating seats for troops.

The rigid-hull boats will be equipped with ballistic protection and weapon mounting points at both the front and rear. They are expected to achieve speeds of over 40 knots on water while also being capable of travelling on land at around 10-15 kmph using hydraulically operated retractable all-wheel-drive legs. The platforms are also required to negotiate gradients of up to 15 degrees and be transportable by heavy tank transporters as well as Indian Air Force IL-76 and C-17 transport aircraft for rapid deployment across theatres.

Defence sources said the procurement comes as the Army strengthens its capability in the Sir Creek sector following intelligence inputs of Pakistan enhancing infrastructure and deployments across the disputed marshland.

The Ministry has sought 11 boats, of which few will go to Indian Navy while the maximum will be for Indian Army to operate in creek sector.

The 96-km Sir Creek remains one of the unresolved maritime boundary disputes between India and Pakistan. India maintains that the boundary runs through the mid-channel of the creek, while Pakistan claims the entire creek up to its eastern bank.

The boundary dispute has also prevented the final demarcation of the adjoining maritime boundary and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) beyond the creek. The marshes around Sir Creek and the adjoining Harami Nala have long been vulnerable to infiltration, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal fishing activities because of the difficult terrain and the absence of a clearly demarcated boundary.

During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan also attempted to target infrastructure in the sector using drones, prompting a renewed focus on strengthening mobility and surveillance capabilities in the region.

About the Author

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien...Read More

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