JULY 30: India took a significant step towards maritime self-reliance as construction began on the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) first indigenously-built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) at Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa. The milestone was marked by the Girder Laying and Commencement of Erection ceremony held today at the shipyard.
The event signifies the beginning of the production of a series of hovercraft designed for high-speed coastal operations. These ACVs are based on time-tested designs from Griffon Hoverwork but are being customized and constructed with Indian technological expertise to meet the specific requirements of the Indian coastline.
These hovercraft will greatly enhance the ICG’s capability to operate in shallow waters, allowing for swift deployment in complex terrains where conventional vessels cannot reach. The ACVs will be deployed for a range of maritime duties, including coastal patrolling, surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue operations. Their unique ability to traverse both land and sea at high speeds makes them a versatile asset for maritime security.
The ceremony was presided over by Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), Indian Coast Guard. Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized the importance of indigenization and the role of such projects in supporting India’s strategic defense goals under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
The construction of these hovercraft follows a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence on October 24, 2024, for six ACVs. The project underscores the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to strengthening operational capabilities with domestically built platforms and reducing reliance on foreign equipment.
The indigenously built hovercraft is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s maritime response strategy, especially across its vast and diverse coastal and island territories. This initiative is seen as a step forward in modernizing India’s coastal defense infrastructure and ensuring rapid, flexible response capabilities in times of need.
With this development, India continues to reinforce its maritime borders through innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of self-reliance, ensuring a safer and more secure coastline for the nation.
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