New Delhi, June 18, 2026: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has inducted the first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV)—commonly known as a hovercraft—built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, modernize its coastal defense capabilities, and advance the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
The induction ceremony was held in Goa in the presence of senior Indian Coast Guard officials and representatives from the country’s shipbuilding industry, highlighting the growing role of indigenous defense manufacturing in enhancing national security.
Major Boost to Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
The newly inducted Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) is the first of six hovercraft being built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence. The project represents a significant achievement in India’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on imported defense equipment and strengthen the country’s domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem.
The induction reflects the government’s continued emphasis on developing advanced military platforms through Indian companies while promoting innovation and technological self-reliance.
Enhanced Maritime Operational Capabilities
The indigenous hovercraft has been designed to significantly improve the operational effectiveness of the Indian Coast Guard across a wide range of maritime missions.
The vessel will support critical operations, including:
- Coastal surveillance
- Maritime law enforcement
- Search and rescue (SAR) missions
- Rapid response during emergencies
- Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance
- Protection of India’s maritime borders and coastal assets
With its unique ability to travel over water, mudflats, sandbanks, and shallow coastal areas, the hovercraft provides exceptional operational flexibility in environments where conventional boats cannot operate efficiently.
Supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision
The induction of the indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle is fully aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to build a robust domestic defense manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on foreign military platforms.
The successful construction of the hovercraft by Chowgule & Company Private Limited demonstrates the growing capabilities of India’s maritime industry in designing and manufacturing advanced defense systems that meet the operational requirements of the armed forces.
Contract for Six Indigenous Hovercraft
The Ministry of Defence had previously awarded a contract to Chowgule & Company Private Limited for the construction and delivery of six Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard.
The induction of the first vessel marks the beginning of a phased enhancement of the Coast Guard’s operational fleet, with additional hovercraft expected to be delivered in the coming years.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Security
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the induction underscores its continued commitment to modernization, capability enhancement, and operational readiness.
As maritime security challenges continue to evolve, the addition of indigenous hovercraft will significantly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard India’s coastline, protect maritime interests, combat illegal activities at sea, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
The successful induction also represents another important milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant global defense manufacturing hub, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to building world-class defense capabilities through indigenous innovation.