Riverine forces carry out traditional naval tasks, such as patrol, escort, interdiction, insertion/extraction, amphibious assault, and fire support, though in a very different environment, posing some very specific requirements, different from normal coastal naval warfare. Speed and manoeuvrability are of paramount importance: Many craft are able to make a 180° turn on spot; and extremely low drafts enable to operate in small creeks and to approach shores. Here water-jets are definitely better than surface-drivers, due to possible presence of floating objects. Stealth is mostly defined by low acoustic and visual signature (camouflage is frequent). Firepower and ballistic protection are crucial, as clashes are quick and violent, sometimes attracting fire from both sides of the river.
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