Goa-built Air Cushion Vehicle exceeds contracted speed during trials; four more hovercraft under construction for coastal security operations
New Delhi, Sept 2026 : India’s indigenous maritime manufacturing capabilities received a boost with the handover of the second domestically built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), designated ICG H-562, to the Indian Coast Guard.
The hovercraft has been constructed by the shipbuilding division of Chowgule and Company in Goa and follows the delivery of the first vessel in the series, ICG H-561, which was handed over in June 2026.
Both vessels were constructed, tested and delivered within the contractual timelines, highlighting the ability of Indian shipyards to undertake specialised vessel programmes while meeting stipulated schedules.
During extensive sea trials, the hovercraft exceeded its contracted maximum speed of 45 knots, demonstrating its operational performance and the engineering capabilities developed for the Coast Guard’s maritime security requirements.
The project stems from a commercial contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence under the Buy (Indian) category for six 8,000TD Air Cushion Vehicles. The contract is valued at approximately Rs 38,744 lakh, or around $40 million.
The programme is significant as it represents the first order for hovercraft to be constructed in India specifically for the operational requirements of the Indian Coast Guard. Production is being undertaken at a dedicated hovercraft manufacturing facility established in Goa, equipped with specialised infrastructure for advanced hull structures and propulsion systems.
Unlike conventional vessels, Air Cushion Vehicles are designed to operate across challenging environments such as shallow waters, marshes and inter-tidal zones. Their ability to operate in areas where conventional boats may face limitations makes them suitable for a range of coastal security and emergency-response tasks.
Once inducted into service, the hovercraft are expected to support round-the-clock coastal surveillance, maritime patrolling, high-speed interception and search-and-rescue operations along India’s extensive coastline.
The project also has a wider industrial significance. Localising production in Goa has helped create an indigenous supply chain, with critical components being sourced from companies based in the state. The programme is also providing business opportunities for local micro, small and medium enterprises and skilled technical personnel.
The development aligns with the government’s broader Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives by encouraging domestic production of specialised defence equipment and building technical expertise in advanced marine engineering.
With the delivery of ICG H-562, four more hovercraft from the six-vessel series remain under construction at the Goan shipyard. Their continued production is expected to further strengthen the capabilities of domestic shipyards in designing, building and maintaining complex vessels intended for demanding inter-tidal and coastal environments.
The programme demonstrates the growing role of indigenous shipbuilding in meeting specialised requirements of India’s maritime security forces. It also highlights the importance of technical collaboration, domestic industrial capacity and local supply chains in developing sophisticated platforms for coastal operations.
The induction of ICG H-562 marks another step in expanding India’s capability to manufacture specialised maritime platforms domestically, while enhancing the operational resources available to the Indian Coast Guard for safeguarding the country’s coastal and maritime interests.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
