Indian Coast Guard Kicks-off Indigenous Hovercraft Construction at Chowgule Shipyard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has started the construction of its first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) with the Girder Laying and Commencement of Erection ceremony at Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. in Goa, on July 30, 2025.

The hovercraft, based on proven Griffon Hoverwork designs, are being built with Indian expertise to suit varied coastal security operations.

According to press release, upon induction the ACVs will provide enhanced speed, tactical flexibility, and shallow-water operability, enabling swift response for patrolling, interdiction, and search and rescue missions across India's vast maritime frontier.

The ceremony which marks a major step towards strengthening India’s maritime response capabilities was held in the presence of Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), ICG Inspector General Sudhir Sahni.

The initiative is part of contract signed with the Ministry of Defence on October 24, 2024 for six ACVs, underscoring ICG’s drive towards operational self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.