en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Indian Coast Guard recently received its first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), built by Chowgule Shipyard in Goa, primarily for coastal defense and maritime security operations. The hovercraft is a high-speed, shallow-water vessel designed for rapid deployment in complex or shallow environments such as coastal areas, islands, and estuaries.

The hovercraft uses powerful fans to create a high-pressure air cushion beneath the hull, significantly reducing friction with the water surface, enabling high-speed travel over water, shallow seas, and even land. Compared to traditional vessels, this technology offers superior response times in shallow waters and complex coastlines.

The new hovercraft is part of the Indian Coast Guard's fleet modernization program, tasked with coastal surveillance, search and rescue, anti-pollution operations, and rapid interception of intruders in shallow waters. The vessel is fully indigenous, aligning with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) policy in defense and maritime sectors, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical coastal assets.

The first hovercraft delivered by Chowgule Shipyard demonstrates the capability of Indian shipyards to manufacture advanced maritime platforms such as hovercraft, fast interceptor boats, and specialized coastal vessels. The craft is expected to enhance operational efficiency in the Indian Ocean region, particularly along the coastal zones of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Khambhat, and the eastern and western maritime frontiers.

This development reflects India's strategic direction to strengthen maritime domain awareness and coastal security infrastructure, complementing the Coast Guard's existing fleet of fast patrol vessels, offshore patrol vessels, and helicopters. The hovercraft's speed advantage, shallow-water capability, and indigenous manufacturing background make it a key asset for future coastal defense and maritime security operations.

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