In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, Chowgule Shipyard has delivered the country’s first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), commonly known as a hovercraft, to the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is the first of six hovercraft being constructed under a contract awarded to the shipyard.
The milestone marks the first time a hovercraft has been built in India, supporting the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at strengthening self-reliance in defence production and reducing dependence on imported platforms.
The hovercraft has been designed and manufactured under a technology licence from Griffon Marine Ltd., a UK-based leader in hovercraft design and manufacturing. The successful completion of the project highlights the ability of Indian shipyards to absorb advanced technologies and produce sophisticated maritime platforms that meet global standards.
The ACV features an eight-tonne payload capacity, a maximum speed of 45 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots. It can carry up to 42 personnel and has an operational endurance of up to nine hours. Designed for operations in shallow waters, mudflats, riverine environments and coastal regions, the craft can access areas that are beyond the reach of conventional vessels.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the hovercraft will significantly enhance capabilities in coastal surveillance, maritime security, search and rescue missions, law enforcement operations and rapid-response tasks. Its versatility also makes it suitable for deployment in environmentally sensitive and challenging terrains.
The newly delivered hovercraft will be based at Haldia in West Bengal, where it will support security operations along India’s eastern coastline as well as riverine and deltaic regions. Beyond maritime security, the platform is expected to play a crucial role in flood relief, disaster response and humanitarian assistance missions by providing rapid access to remote and difficult-to-reach locations.
The delivery of the first indigenous ACV represents a significant step forward in India’s maritime self-reliance journey and underscores the country’s growing capability to develop and manufacture advanced maritime defence platforms domestically.