Indian Coast Guard Inducts First Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle – Enhancing Maritime Capability

Overview The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) received its first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) on 18 June 2026 at Goa. Built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited , the hovercraft is expected to improve the ICG’s ability to perform a wide range of maritime duties, from surveillance to disaster response. Key Developments First of six ACVs inducted; remaining five to be delivered under the same contract. Contract signed on 24 October 2026 between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Chowgule & Company. Induction ceremony attended by senior ICG officials and shipbuilding industry representatives. Project aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Important Facts Number of ACVs planned: 6. Manufacturer: Chowgule & Company Private Limited, a domestic shipbuilding firm. Operational advantage: Ability to operate in shallow coastal zones, estuaries and river mouths where conventional vessels cannot go. Strategic impact: Enhances ICG’s rapid response capability for anti‑smuggling, search‑and‑rescue and coastal surveillance. Industrial significance: Demonstrates growth of the maritime industrial base in India. UPSC Relevance For GS Paper II (Polity) and GS Paper III (Defence & Economy), candidates should note: The role of the ICG in safeguarding maritime borders, preventing illegal fishing, and conducting humanitarian missions. How indigenous defence production, exemplified by the ACV project, supports the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy. The strategic importance of a robust maritime industrial base for national security and economic growth. Procurement processes involving the MoD , highlighting inter‑agency coordination. Way Forward To maximise the benefits of the ACV programme, the following steps are recommended: Accelerate delivery of the remaining five ACVs to achieve full operational capability. Integrate the hovercrafts with existing coastal surveillance networks and maritime domain awareness systems. Promote technology transfer and skill development in the shipbuilding sector to create a sustainable supply chain. Encourage further R&D in high‑speed, shallow‑water craft to address emerging maritime challenges such as climate‑induced coastal erosion and increased smuggling routes. Successful implementation will strengthen India’s maritime security posture and showcase the effectiveness of indigenous defence manufacturing.