ICG inducts indigenously constructed hovercraft, bolsters maritime capabilities

New Delhi: The first of the six hovercraft being built by a firm for the Indian Coast Guard, which aims to enhance ICG's operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of maritime duties and reinforce its ability to respond to emerging challenges, was inducted into service on Thursday, officials said.

The air cushion vehicle has been designed and constructed in India and reflects the growing strength of the nation's maritime industrial base, they said.

In a significant milestone towards strengthening the ICG's capabilities and advancing the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the first indigenously constructed air cushion vehicle (ACV), H-561, was inducted into service on June 18 at Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa, the force said.


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"The hovercraft aims to enhance ICG's operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of maritime duties and reinforce its ability to respond to emerging challenges. Its induction would further the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and serve as a reflection of the growing strength of the maritime industrial base of the country," it said.

The induction ceremony was held at the shipyard's Rassaim facility in the presence of senior officials of the ICG and representatives from the shipbuilding industry.

The occasion marks the successful culmination of sustained efforts by multiple stakeholders towards enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and fostering self-reliance in critical maritime platforms.

The project represents an important step in promoting indigenous innovation, strengthening domestic shipbuilding expertise and supporting the government's commitment towards building a resilient and self-sufficient defence ecosystem, the officials said.

The induction of the ACV into the ICG fleet underscores the organisation's continued focus on modernisation and capability enhancement in support of its mandate to safeguard the nation's maritime interests, the officials said.

"The vessel will contribute to the operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of maritime duties and reinforce its ability to respond to emerging challenges in the maritime domain," the ICG said.

The occasion also highlights the close collaboration between the ICG, the defence ministry and India's industry in delivering advanced indigenous solutions aligned with national priorities. Such initiatives serve as important catalysts for strengthening the country's defence manufacturing capabilities and furthering the vision of self-reliance in the maritime sector, it added.

The induction of ACV H-561 marks another noteworthy achievement in India's journey towards indigenous capability development and reflects the collective commitment of all stakeholders towards building a modern, capable and future-ready maritime force, the ICG said.