ANC discusses significance of Amphibious Operations at War College

Kolkata, Aug 1 (AHN) The significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service command, was explained in detail to student officers of the Indian Army’s War College, Mhow, by the Army Component Commander of ANC on Saturday.

Delivering a talk on “Conduct of Amphibious Operations,” the officer highlighted the immense operational potential and emerging opportunities for amphibious operations by the tri-service command.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago comprises 836 islands, of which only 31 are inhabited. The uninhabited islands provide an ideal setting for amphibious operations, which are practised routinely. A large number of landing crafts are based on the islands for use during these operations. The Indian Navy uses these crafts to land Army troops on beaches, while the Indian Air Force provides necessary air support and cover.

Amphibious assaults play an important role in recapturing lost ground, the officer explained, citing historical examples such as the Inchon Landing (Operation Chromite) of 1950 during the Korean War. The operation involved 75,000 troops and over 260 naval vessels, leading to the recapture of Seoul and a strategic shift in favour of UN forces.

The officer also explained the various types of amphibious operations, from simple assaults to full-scale raids followed by troop withdrawal if required. Training requirements for successful completion of these operations were discussed in detail.

Stand-off beachings using Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) were also discussed. LPDs are large vessels that can accommodate troops, tanks and armoured vehicles, and also have flight decks for helicopters.