The Indian Coast Guard has inaugurated its first Indian-made hovercraft, produced by Chowgule Shipyard in Goa. This milestone enhances domestic shipbuilding and strengthens coastal defense capabilities. The high-speed, shallow-water craft is engineered for swift deployment across coastal zones, islands, and estuaries.
Hovercraft operate on a pressurized air cushion that minimizes water friction, enabling them to glide quickly over various surfaces, including shallow waters and land. This technology significantly improves response times compared to traditional vessels, especially in complex coastal areas or shallow depths.
The new air-cushion vehicle (ACV) is integral to the Coast Guard’s modernization efforts, facilitating missions such as coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-pollution operations. This indigenously designed craft aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for essential coastal assets.
Chowgule Shipyard’s achievement highlights the advancing capabilities of Indian shipyards to produce sophisticated maritime platforms, boosting operational effectiveness in critical regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Gulf of Khambhat. The hovercraft’s speed and shallow-water versatility make it a vital asset for enhancing maritime safety and security in India’s coastal domains.
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