New Delhi, June 18: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday inducted the first of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercraft, being built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited, marking a significant step towards strengthening maritime security and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The induction ceremony was held in Goa in the presence of senior Coast Guard officials and representatives from the shipbuilding industry.
According to an official statement, the hovercraft is designed to enhance the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities across a wide range of maritime missions and improve its ability to respond to emerging security and humanitarian challenges in coastal and shallow-water areas.
The induction is expected to boost the ICG’s effectiveness in safeguarding India’s maritime interests while supporting the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening the country’s indigenous shipbuilding and maritime industrial base.
The Coast Guard said the addition of the indigenous ACV reflects its continued focus on modernisation and capability enhancement.
