Sir Creek Sunderbans to have heightened surveillance by Indian Army

The Gujarat region of Sir Creek and the Brahmaputra river basin, which includes the Sundarbans, are where the Indian Army aims to improve its off-coast operations capacity.

Purchasing eight Landing Craft Assaults (LCA) and six Fast Patrol Boats (FPB) is planned, according to sources. The Indian Army on Monday released two separate Requests for Information (RFI), each of which stated that “The LCA are to be deployed for transportation of vehicle, material, random Boat Patrol and limited Search and Rescue in Sir Creek area, Brahmaputra river, Sunderban Delta of West Bengal and at extreme temperatures.”

 According to the RFI, these Fast Patrol Boats “are to be deployed for surveillance, patrolling and interception at sea and over water bodies, including as akin to the Sir Creek area.” More than 20 knots is anticipated as the top speed. 

Gujarat’s strategically significant Sir Creek area in exclusive report: TNIE

The Pakistan Marines and Border Security Force (BSF) were at odds in Gujarat’s strategically significant Sir Creek area in an exclusive report from TNIE in February as a result of the former’s aggressive posture. The BSF has responded by deploying resources of equivalent strength.

The creek, which connects the two nations, is a 98 km long, thin stretch of water that starts in the swampy Rann of Kutch region and empties into the Arabian Sea. The region features unfriendly weather and a hostile topography, and the marshes are home to deadly snakes and scorpions.

Being “designed to drive in/out of water bodies without the need for any jetty” is one of the qualities required by LCA. It should be capable of operating in water at low draughts, over uncharted or uneven terrain, and at high speeds.

It should be tough and adaptable to enable the smooth execution of missions like patrolling, quick attacks, and interceptions over a variety of terrain and operational environments. According to the RFI, the LCA should be made to meet the requirements for tough military use while also protecting the operator and reducing operator fatigue.

It must be able to transport 35 people, including crew, together with personnel gear and weapons (5255 kg total payload).

The Fast Patrol Boat being purchased for tough military duty must be built such that it can drive into and out of water bodies without the aid of a jetty. It should be capable of operating in water at low draughts, over uncharted or uneven terrain, and at high speeds. To enable smooth execution of small team insertion, surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrolling—such as the operational role of small team task force or MOTF (Mission Orienting Task Force) etc.—across a varied matrix of terrain and operating conditions, it should be tough and adaptable, the RFI adds.

The Army has also issued a request for information (RFI) for the purchase of 118 ISAT-S, or integrated surveillance and targeting systems, with at least 60% domestic content. Launching distances for loitering weapons and surveillance drones should reach 4500 meters (14500 feet) above mean sea level. It need to be able to operate with popular navigational tools and even in a hostile environment.

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