In order to further strengthen its ongoing efforts to
establish its presence in the Pangong lake and surrounding areas in Ladakh, the
Indian Army on Friday signed a contract to acquire 12 fully-armed boats which
would be used for patrolling and rapid troops development in the area, reported ANI.

Reportedly, the boats, supposed to be built by M/s Goa
Shipyards Limited in its Vasco De Gama facility, would have mounted guns at
both front and rear ends, apart from being able to transport troops.

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As per ANI, the contract details entail the production of 12
patrol boats which would manage surveillance and patrolling in the water bodies
of the high-altitude region.

The delivery for the same would be commencing from May,
2021.

“The boats would be operated and maintained by the
Corps of Engineers. These boats shall be vital in ensuring security along the
borders/Lines of Control spread over vast water bodies, including those in high
altitude areas,” ANI quoted Army officials as saying, who further added
that the boats will have state-of-the-art onboard system.

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In the conflict that largely ensued in May, 2019, Chinese
troops had reportedly used a substantial number of boats to ferry soldiers to
areas near Finger 5 and 6.

By acquiring the new boats, India will be able to move
around in an easier manner around the lake, which has been a conflict-zone for
some time now.