The Indian Army has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for six Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs) under the "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" category, reinforcing the nation's commitment to indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured defence equipment.

The initiative aligns closely with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, emphasising self-reliance in tactical maritime platforms.

Under the terms of the RFP, vendors must ensure a minimum of 60 per cent indigenous content on a cost basis. The procurement aims to enhance inland and coastal operational capabilities, especially in surveillance, rapid interdiction, and small-team insertion roles. Prospective suppliers have until 11 November 2025 to submit pre-bid queries, while the final bid submission deadline is set for 13 January 2026.

Operational requirements specify that the FPBs must operate effectively in shallow, muddy, and inland waters as well as coastal environments. The vessels will require hull designs optimised for high manoeuvrability and stability in constrained waterways. They are expected to support surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction missions against fast-moving threats while maintaining operational reliability in demanding conditions.

The RFP stipulates performance validation through trials in diverse water and weather conditions. It also grants the Ministry of Defence authority to withdraw, modify, or cancel the tender without financial liability and to disqualify any bidder on national security grounds. In cases of identical offers, preference will be accorded to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Industry observers expect leading Indian shipbuilders with experience in patrol craft construction to participate aggressively. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), known for its high-indigenisation patrol vessels for the Coast Guard, is a strong contender. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is another potential bidder with proven expertise in modular shipbuilding technologies and military-grade design. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) may also compete, leveraging experience in surface vessel and submarine construction.

This procurement drive is projected to invigorate India’s naval industrial base by promoting indigenous design capabilities and technological integration. It signals a continued shift in the Army’s approach to littoral warfare operations, focusing on speed, versatility, and autonomy through locally engineered platforms.

Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs) – Indian Army RFP Summary

ParameterDetails
Procuring AuthorityIndian Army
PurposeEnhancement of inland and coastal operations for small-team insertion, surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction
Quantity6 Fast Patrol Boats
Procurement CategoryBuy (Indian-IDDM)
EligibilityIndigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured products
Indigenous Content RequirementMinimum 60% on cost basis
Pre-Bid Queries Deadline11 November 2025
Bid Submission Deadline13 January 2026
OEM PreferencePreference given to the Original Equipment Manufacturer in case of identical offers
Operational EnvironmentShallow, muddy, inland, and coastal waters
MissionsSmall-team insertion, surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, and rapid interdiction
Performance ValidationThrough trials under varied water and weather conditions
Design RequirementHull design optimised for manoeuvrability and shallow-water operations
Surveillance CapabilityEquipped for reconnaissance and monitoring operations
Interdiction CapabilityAble to rapidly engage high-speed craft
Administrative CaveatsMoD reserves right to withdraw or modify RFP without financial commitment; disqualification possible on national security grounds
Expected BeneficiariesIndian shipyards under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative
Likely BiddersGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)
Strategic ImpactStrengthens indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem and operational self-reliance in littoral missions

IDN (Width Agency Inputs)