Overview

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a girder‑laying ceremony on 11 May 2026 at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard. The event marks the start of construction of the 4th, 5th and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.

Key Developments

Contract for six indigenously built ACVs signed on 24 Oct 2024 with Chowgule & Company Private Limited.
Each ACV will contain 50% indigenous material, reflecting the government's push for domestic content.
The vessels are designed for high‑speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance in shallow waters, marshy zones and deep‑sea interception, as well as day‑night search‑and‑rescue missions.
Deployment will enhance strategic mobility and operational flexibility along India’s extensive coastline.

Important Facts

Number of vessels: Six ACVs, with the ceremony covering the 4th‑6th units.
Indigenous content: Minimum 50% of components sourced domestically.
Roles: Coastal patrol, interdiction, SAR (Search and Rescue), assistance to distressed vessels.
Strategic impact: Adds rapid‑response capability to the ICG’s existing fleet, crucial for safeguarding the maritime domain.

UPSC Relevance

The project illustrates the intersection of defence procurement, indigenous manufacturing and maritime security—core topics for GS II (Polity) and GS III (Defence & Economy). Understanding the strategic mobility offered by ACVs helps aspirants analyse India’s force‑projection capabilities. The emphasis on indigenous material ties directly to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive, a recurring theme in contemporary policy questions.

Way Forward

Future steps include:

Completion of the remaining three ACVs (1st‑3rd) and induction into the ICG fleet.
Integration of advanced navigation and communication suites to improve night‑time operations.
Scaling up domestic supply chains to raise indigenous content beyond 50% for subsequent batches.
Regular drills with the new ACVs to validate their performance in varied maritime environments.

Successful execution will reinforce India’s maritime deterrence posture and showcase the effectiveness of the self‑reliance policy in defence manufacturing.