Army To Procure Fast Patrol Boats, Landing Crafts For Rapid Reaction And Surveillance In Border Areas

In an effort to bolster its surveillance and rapid-reaction capabilities, the Indian Army has initiated a procurement process for six fast patrol boats, eight landing craft assault (LCA) vessels, and 118 integrated surveillance and targeting systems for border areas, reported Economic Times.

The fast patrol boats will primarily serve in surveillance roles in water bodies in eastern Ladakh, including the Pangong Lake.

Despite some disengagement in multiple areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks, Indian and Chinese troops have remained locked in a standoff along certain friction points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

The army has already issued a request for information (RFI) for the acquisition of fast patrol boats, LCAs, and integrated surveillance and targeting systems, the officials stated.

The RFI for fast patrol boats specifies that the vessels should be "rugged and versatile to facilitate seamless execution of small team insertion, surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrolling".

Additionally, they should be capable of operating in diverse terrains and conditions. These indigenously-developed boats should have a maximum speed of 29 knots (at sea state level 2) and a capacity to carry eight people.

The initial tender for LCAs states that they are intended for use in search and rescue operations in the creek area and river basins.

The LCAs should have a length between 13-14 metres and a maximum speed not less than 20 knots. Typically, LCAs are employed for transporting troops.

The deadline for responding to the initial tenders for fast patrol boats and LCAs is 28 November.

The integrated surveillance and targeting systems are being procured for utilisation by mechanised forces in border regions. These systems are categorised under the 'buy Indian' classification and must incorporate a minimum of 60 per cent indigenous content.