Rapid Action Boat Squadron
| Sri Lanka Navy |
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The Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS)(In
The unit was formed in 2007 under a directive from the then commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda with Commodore Rohan Amarasinghe as its first director to counter light fibreglass attack boats used by the Sea Tigers in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka during the Sri Lankan Civil War.[2] The unit also carried out amphibious raids on sea tigers coastal outposts.
They operate with IPCs in groups of four craft with some groups totaling 25–30 craft combine to form IPC units, which are based at strategically important locations around the island. The IPC squadrons are organised for rapid-reaction interception operations, because the Sea Tiger cadres were able to remain hidden until they decide to confront the SLN. To maximise the amount of firepower each squadron can bring to a battle, an IPC unit would speed towards the enemy using strategies that echo infantry tactics: an arrowhead formation is used to expand each boat's arc of fire in an attack manoeuvre, or boats are arranged in three adjacent columns in single file so as to mask their numbers and increase the SLN's element of surprise.[3]
See also
- Special Boat Squadron
- 1 Assault Group Royal Marines
- NAVSCIATTS
- Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen
References
- ^ "Launching of 100th indigenous special designed fighting boat by the Sri Lanka Navy". Ravin Edirisinghe. Asian Tribune. 12 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
- ^ Rapid Action Boats Squadron (RABS)
- Jane's Information Group
External links
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