Indian Coast Guard’s Indigenous Hovercraft Programme takes shape at Chowgule Shipyard, Goa

Goa Khabar : Indian Coast Guard (ICG) marked a major milestone in its pursuit of enhanced maritime capability with the commencement of construction of its first Indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) at Chowgule and Company Private Limited, Goa. This follows the signing of a contract with the Ministry of Defence on 24 Oct 24 for the construction of six ACVs, underlining the ICG’s continued focus on operational self-reliance.

Pursuant to a significant contract signed with the Ministry of Defence on 24 Oct 24 for the construction of six advanced Air Cushion Vehicles, the project has reached a key milestone with the formal ceremony of Girder Laying and Commencement of Erection held today at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard. The event was graced by the presence of Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, TM, Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance) Indian Coast Guard.

Based on trusted Griffon Hoverwork designs, these Air Cushion Vehicles are being crafted with Indian skill and precision, an embodiment of the nation’s rising defence capability and the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Once in service, they will bring unmatched speed, versatility, and tactical reach to the Indian Coast Guard. Whether patrolling hostile shallows, pursuing threats, or rescuing lives at sea, these indigenous hovercraft will stand as swift sentinels of India’s maritime frontier, resolute, ready, and proudly made in India.