Is India Set to Unveil Its First Homegrown Hovercraft for the Coast Guard?
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Synopsis
The construction of India's first-ever Air Cushion Vehicle for the Coast Guard marks a significant milestone in defense capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency and self-reliance. The project showcases India's commitment to indigenous defense production, paving the way for rapid coastal security response.
Key Takeaways
- The first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle for the Indian Coast Guard is under construction.
- It aims to enhance coastal security operations across India.
- The hovercraft will enable rapid response for patrolling and rescue missions.
- This project aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- India's defense production has reached unprecedented levels, with significant contributions from the private sector.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) The journey of constructing India's inaugural indigenously manufactured Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) for the Indian Coast Guard commenced on Wednesday. This significant milestone was marked by the girder laying and initiation of the erection ceremony at Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd.'s shipyard in Goa.
These hovercraft, designed based on established Griffon Hoverwork blueprints, are being developed with Indian expertise to cater to diverse coastal security operations. Upon induction, the ACVs will offer superior speed, tactical adaptability, and the ability to operate in shallow waters, facilitating rapid responses for patrolling, interdiction, and search and rescue missions across India's extensive maritime domain, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.
This ceremony represents a crucial advancement in enhancing India’s maritime response capabilities, attended by Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), ICG Inspector General Sudhir Sahni.
The construction of these hovercraft follows a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence on October 24, 2024, for six ACVs, highlighting the ICG’s commitment to achieving operational self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India’s indigenous defence production has reached an unprecedented high of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports soaring to a record Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25.
"Ten to eleven years ago, our defence production was merely Rs 43,000 crore, and it has now skyrocketed to a historic Rs 1,46,000 crore, with the private sector contributing over Rs 32,000 crore. Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore a decade ago, have now exceeded Rs 24,000 crore," he noted.
The Defence Minister emphasized that Make-in-India is vital for national security and prosperity, asserting that the use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has demonstrated India's capacity to overcome any adversary's defenses.
He also mentioned that the execution model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program will provide a unique opportunity for the private sector to engage in a major defence project alongside public sector enterprises, further enhancing the Make in India initiative in the defence sector, which was instrumental in the success of Operation Sindoor.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of this initiative in reinforcing India's maritime defense. The move towards indigenous production not only enhances operational self-reliance but also showcases India's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities. This project is a testament to the nation's strategic vision and dedication to securing its vast maritime frontier.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) for the Indian Coast Guard?
The ACV enhances India's maritime security by offering improved speed, flexibility, and shallow-water operability for crucial operations such as patrolling and rescue.
When was the contract for the ACVs signed?
The contract for the construction of six ACVs was signed on October 24, 2024, with a focus on achieving operational self-reliance.
Who attended the inauguration ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance), ICG Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, marking a key step in enhancing maritime capabilities.
What does the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative entail?
Aatmanirbhar Bharat focuses on promoting self-reliance in various sectors, including defense, by boosting indigenous production capabilities.
How has India's defense production evolved over the years?
India's defense production has soared to Rs 1.46 lakh crore, significantly increasing from Rs 43,000 crore a decade ago, showcasing remarkable growth.
