Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 19: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday inducted the first of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), commonly known as hovercraft, being built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime security and boosting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The induction ceremony was held in Goa in the presence of senior Coast Guard officials and representatives of the shipbuilding industry.

According to an official statement, the hovercraft has been designed to enhance the Coast Guard's operational capabilities across a wide spectrum of maritime missions, including coastal surveillance, search and rescue operations, disaster response and security-related tasks in shallow-water and coastal regions.

The induction marks a significant milestone in the Coast Guard's modernisation programme and is expected to improve its ability to respond swiftly to emerging maritime security and humanitarian challenges.

Officials said the addition of the indigenous hovercraft would further strengthen the Coast Guard's role in safeguarding India's maritime interests and coastal assets.

The project also supports the Centre's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthening India's shipbuilding and maritime industrial ecosystem.

The Coast Guard stated that the induction of the first indigenous ACV reflects its continued commitment to capability enhancement, operational readiness and the adoption of advanced home-grown technologies for maritime security operations.