Girder laying for 3 indigenous air cushion vehicles held at Goa Shipyard for Coast Guard
New Delhi. The girder laying ceremony for the fourth, fifth and sixth Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) being built for the Indian Coast Guard was held at the Rassaim yard of Chowgule Shipyard in Goa on May 11 marking steady progress in the indigenous construction of these specialised craft.
The ACVs are being manufactured with nearly 50 percent indigenous content under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) push, reflecting a significant step towards self-reliance and technological capability in maritime platforms.
The contract for six indigenously designed and built ACVs was signed between the Coast Guard and Chowgule & Company Private Limited on October 24, 2024. The ceremony signals advancement in the production schedule of the fleet, which is intended to enhance the Coast Guard’s operational reach in challenging maritime environments.
These modern air cushion vehicles, commonly known as hovercraft, are designed for multi-role maritime tasks. They will be deployed for high-speed coastal patrols, reconnaissance in shallow waters, marshy terrain and deep-sea areas, as well as interception and interdiction missions by day and night. The platforms will also be used for search and rescue operations and to assist vessels in distress.
Once inducted, the ACVs are expected to significantly strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to secure India’s extensive and diverse coastline, providing enhanced mobility and flexibility in areas where conventional vessels face operational limitations.
