Navy to induct mechanised craft for landings on beaches

New Delhi, Jan 30 (PTI) Looking to augment itsamphibious warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy is planningto induct 10 mechanised craft to enable troop landings onbeaches.

A Request for Information (RFI) in this regard hasbeen issued by the Navy in which it has asked global vendorsto supply the craft within a specific time frame, Navyofficials said here.

The mechanised craft would be deployed in both easternand western sea board to support troop landings at Andaman andNicobar islands and Lakshadweep on the western side.

The 55-tonne capacity craft can be carried on boardthe Navy''s five large Landing Ship Tank (LST) vessels of theMagar and Shardul class.

It can launch 150 troops and their warfare equipment,along with a T-90/T-72 battle tank, two infantry combatvehicles, two 2.5-tonne trucks or four light motor vehicles toenemy shores.

It will also be able to operate out of Landing PontoonDock INS Jalashwa, which was procured by the Indian navy forits amphibious operations.

"The craft could be used for multiple operationsranging from troop landing to rescue operations at the enemyshores.

Besides carrying troops, it must also carry theirmaterial to suit day and night operations," an official said.

The craft with its twin diesel engines can go up to 25knots in speed with full cargo load.

The water jet based engines can support the 23 metrelong vessel till 200 nautical miles from the shore.

The vessel should be suitable for all kinds of day andnight operations and as per Navy''s requirement should have twomounted heavy machine guns with hands-free communication sets.

For protection of the troops during landing, the craftis well guarded by protective steel plates.

The tri-services Andaman and Nicobar frequentlycarries out exercises and war-games keeping amphibious battlezone scenarios in mind.