Goa: Marking a significant stride in India’s maritime self-reliance, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has officially commenced construction of its first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV). The ‘Girder Laying and Commencement of Erection’ ceremony was held on July 30, 2025, at Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa—signalling the beginning of a crucial chapter in India’s coastal defence strategy.
The ACVs, based on proven designs from Griffon Hoverwork, are being indigenised to meet India’s coastal operational needs. With a focus on speed, tactical mobility, and shallow-water operability, these vessels are tailored for rapid-response missions including patrolling, interdiction, and search and rescue.
ICG’s Tactical Edge: Speed Meets Indigenous Innovation
The new hovercraft will significantly enhance the ICG’s ability to operate in complex littoral zones. Their high speed and amphibious design allow quick transitions between land and sea—an asset for counter-infiltration operations, humanitarian aid, and natural disaster response.
With these capabilities, the ACVs will serve as force multipliers along India’s 7,500-km-long coastline, providing seamless mobility across marshes, creeks, and shallow coastal waters—terrains often inaccessible to traditional vessels.
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Six-Vessel Order Under Atmanirbhar Push
This milestone follows the October 24, 2024, contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of six ACVs. The project exemplifies India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, merging foreign-proven blueprints with Indian shipbuilding expertise.
Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, presided over the ceremony, reaffirming the ICG’s commitment to indigenisation and operational readiness.
With the integration of these hovercraft into the fleet, the ICG is set to enhance its coastal surveillance and quick response infrastructure—ensuring strategic maritime dominance in the subcontinent’s near seas.
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