New Delhi, 11 May 26 : The first ever indigenously fabricated and constructed Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is shaping up at Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa. The contract was signed with MoD for construction of 06 ACV’s for ICG on 24 Oct 24. The Girder Laying Ceremony of 4th, 5th and 6th ACV’s was held at Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard Goa by Deputy Inspector General Vinod Sakharkar, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Coast Guard Regional Headquarters on 11 May 26.
The first ACV is scheduled to be delivered shortly. These ACVs are being manufactured with indigenous material in India for the first time marking a significant leap in collective pursuit of self reliance and technological advancement under the visionary ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The process opens up world to India for hovercraft market.
These ACVs will be deployed to safeguard India’s vast and dynamic coastal zone, adding significant strategic mobility and operational flexibility to the ICG. These modern Air Cushion Vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime roles including high speed coastal patrolling and reconnaissance in shallow waters, marshy areas, deep sea and interception/interdiction in areas of operation by both day/night and search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and boats in distress.
The ACVs, based on Griffon Hovercraft, UK design are indigenously constructed at Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard Goa and have 50% indigenous content which is first time ever for any ACV operating in India.
