Goa: The Indian Coast Guard marked a significant milestone in its indigenous modernisation programme with the Girder Laying Ceremony of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule & Company Private Limited in Goa on May 11, 2026.
The ceremony reflects India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The ACVs are being manufactured in India with nearly 50 percent indigenous material, representing an important step forward in strengthening domestic shipbuilding capability and advancing home-grown maritime technology.
The project stems from a contract signed between the Indian Coast Guard and Chowgule & Company Private Limited on October 24, 2024, for the design, fabrication, and construction of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles. The programme is expected to significantly enhance the operational reach and flexibility of the Coast Guard across India’s extensive coastline and maritime zones.
Air Cushion Vehicles, commonly known as hovercraft, are specially designed to operate across a wide range of terrains, including shallow coastal waters, marshlands, mudflats, sandy beaches, and open sea conditions. Their versatility makes them particularly valuable for rapid-response maritime operations where conventional vessels may face mobility limitations.
According to officials, the new ACVs will perform multiple operational roles for the Indian Coast Guard. These include high-speed coastal patrolling, maritime reconnaissance, interception and interdiction missions, search and rescue operations, and emergency assistance to vessels in distress. The platforms are designed for both day and night operations, ensuring round-the-clock deployment capability in challenging environments.
The induction of these advanced hovercraft is expected to strengthen surveillance and response mechanisms along India’s vast coastal belt, which stretches over 7,500 kilometres. Their ability to quickly access difficult coastal and shallow-water regions will improve maritime security preparedness and enhance operational efficiency during emergencies and security missions.
The project also highlights India’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence platforms and encourage domestic defence manufacturing. By incorporating indigenous components and local industrial expertise, the ACV programme supports employment generation, technology development, and the expansion of India’s defence production ecosystem.
Defence analysts note that the growing focus on indigenous maritime platforms comes at a time when coastal security and rapid-response capabilities have become increasingly important in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Coast Guard continues to play a critical role in protecting maritime interests, preventing illegal activities at sea, supporting humanitarian missions, and ensuring coastal vigilance.
Once completed and inducted into service, the new generation ACVs are expected to provide the Coast Guard with enhanced strategic mobility, faster response capability, and improved operational adaptability across diverse maritime conditions. The programme is also being viewed as a strong example of collaboration between India’s defence forces and domestic industry in building advanced indigenous capabilities for future security requirements.
