In a bid to augment the capability to conduct special operation in harbor and at sea, Indian
Navy has started the process to procure Special Operation Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (SORs)
from global manufacturers.
India is also planning to acquire Landing Platform Docks (LPD) vessles.
This is part of India's long desired capability to build an independent amphibious group modeled
on US Marines.
So, let us get into the details.
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Indian Navy supported the landing operations
against the Pakistani base of Cox's Bazar termed as Operation Jackpot, landing an army
brigade using Polnochny class landing ships without significant resistance.
Need for specialized units with correct equipment were understood from then onwards.
High-speed, high-buoyancy, extreme-weather Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, can be used by
Indian Navy Marcos as well as other units for insertion or extraction and marine interdiction
operations.
The unique capability that these possesses is its 40 knot speed in "blue" or "brown"
water, and survivability in adverse weather conditions, being able to stand up in a Sea
State 6 with winds upwards of 46 knots.
Sea State 6 is a measurement as used by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and
ranges from 0, no waves with calm conditions to 9, over 14-meter high waves with phenomenal conditions.
Navy wants 10 such boats.
Indian navy has the following requirements:
1. These must be capable of carrying 12 personnel including mission and craft crew , or minimum
payload of up to 2200 kilogram excluding fuel.
Boat should have endurance of 400 Nautical miles at 50 knot top speed.
2. As per the requirements set by the navy, craft should be fitted with Very High Frequency
or High Frequency SATCOM systems, High Definition Warning Set radar, and other essential navigation
and communication equipment.
3. Forward and aft mounts, for the fitment of 12.7 mm caliber weapons and suitable firing
positions for short tripod launched heavy weapons like Grenade Launchers.
4. To assist in reducing the shock during heavy sea, Indian Navy prefers carbon fiber layered
Hull with a foam core and should have an outer layer of Kevlar for additional support.
Landing Platform Docks (LPD) vessels are needed to transport troops and heavier elements like tanks.
To enhance the amphibious capability, Indian Navy will also soon open commercial bids for
procuring 4 new Landing Platform Docks (LPD) amphibious warships.
The 4 ships will cost approximately $ 3.7 billion, and is expected to be delivered to
Indian Navy in the next 10 years.
Currently, India's amphibious warfare capability consists of 9 older tank-landing ships of
various sizes and capabilities.
India operates Shardul and Magar class ships.
They can carry 10 armored vehicles, 11 armored personnel carriers and more than 500 troops.
Indian Navy had conducted exercise with US Navy special operation forces in such boats
during Malabar exercise in last two years, and has been closely inspecting the capabilities
of US Marines along with the equipment used by them.
With increasing need to deal with conventional and non-conventional threats in areas accessible
through waterways, Indian Navy has taken the initial steps to form a unit in line with
US Marine Corp.
It remains to be seen how the Indian Navy is able to develop these capabilities in coming days.