Indigenous Hovercrafts Boost Coastal Security

India has taken another decisive step toward maritime self‑reliance with the Girder Laying Ceremony of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), held at Chowgule Shipyard’s Rassaim Yard in Goa on May 11, 2026.

These indigenously fabricated hovercrafts, built with 50% local material under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, mark a significant leap in India’s pursuit of technological advancement and coastal defence capability.

What Are ACVs?

Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), popularly known as hovercrafts, are amphibious machines that float on a cushion of pressurized air.

• Multi‑terrain mobility: Operate seamlessly over land, shallow waters, marshes, and open sea.
• Speed & flexibility: Ideal for coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, and rapid rescue.
• Military utility: Used for interception, interdiction, and assisting vessels in distress.

By hovering above surfaces, ACVs overcome terrain limitations faced by conventional boats, making them indispensable for coastal security.

Strategic Role in India’s Defence

The six ACVs contracted with Chowgule & Company Private Limited in October 2024 are designed for multipurpose maritime roles:

• High‑speed coastal patrolling
• Reconnaissance in shallow and marshy areas
• Day‑night search and rescue operations
• Interception of suspicious vessels
• Assistance to ships and boats in distress

Once deployed, these hovercrafts will safeguard India’s vast and dynamic coastal zone, adding strategic mobility and operational flexibility to the ICG.

Self‑Reliance in Action

• 50% indigenous material ensures reduced dependence on imports.
• Local shipyard expertise strengthens industrial capacity in Goa.
• Alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat reinforces India’s vision of self‑reliance in defence technology.

Impact at a Glance

Feature	Benefit for ICG
Indigenous build	Boosts self‑reliance
Amphibious capability	Multi‑terrain operations
High speed	Faster coastal patrols
Rescue utility	Saves lives in distress
Strategic mobility	Greater operational reach

Closing Note

India’s indigenous hovercraft programme is more than a fleet expansion — it is a symbol of technological sovereignty and maritime resilience. As these ACVs join the Coast Guard, they will not only strengthen coastal defence but also showcase India’s growing ability to design, build, and deploy advanced platforms for national security.

'Samudra Prachet’ Sets Sail: Goa Shipyard’s Indigenous PCV Enhances India’s Oil Spill Response and Maritime Sustainability

In a significant stride toward maritime environmental preparedness and defence indigenisation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) welcomed Samudra Prachet, the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Launched at GSL’s Vasco shipyard, the vessel marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to bolster coastal pollution response capabilities with homegrown technology.

A Technological Guardian of the Seas

Samudra Prachet is engineered to tackle marine pollution emergencies, particularly oil spills within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With a length of 114.5 metres, a breadth of 16.5 metres, and a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, the vessel will be manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors.

• Two side-sweeping arms for collecting oil spills while underway
• Advanced radar systems for real-time detection of oil slicks
• Integrated pollution response systems capable of:
  • Recovering oil across the full viscosity spectrum
  • Pumping in contaminated water
  • Analysing and separating pollutants
  • Storing recovered oil in dedicated onboard tanks

Built with 72% Indigenous Content

The vessel boasts 72% indigenous content, reflecting substantial contributions from Indian MSMEs and local industries. This aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a net exporter of defence technologies.

 
Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, praised the team’s dedication and highlighted the vessel’s role in advancing India’s maritime environmental infrastructure. “This platform is a testament to our shipbuilding excellence and commitment to national capability-building,” he said.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani, emphasized the strategic importance of PCVs in maritime security. “Pollution Control Vessels like Samudra Prachet are pivotal in safeguarding India’s marine ecosystems and responding to pollution emergencies,” he stated during the launch ceremony substantial employment in Goa:

Stimulated skill development

Strengthened the local shipbuilding ecosystem

Supported MSMEs engaged in marine production activities

A Twin Legacy

Samudra Prachet follows the launch of its sister vessel, Samudra Pratap, which was unveiled on August 29, 2024, and is nearing delivery. Together, these vessels significantly enhance the ICG’s operational readiness and environmental surveillance capabilities.

Work on Indian Coast Guard’s 1st Full-Fledged Data Center Started in Delhi's Mahipalpur

The Indian Coast Guard has embarked on a significant digital transformation project with the construction of its first full-fledged data center in Mahipalpur, New Delhi. The project is valued at Rs 588 crore (approximately $70 million).

The data center is expected to be completed within two years.

This will be the first full-fledged data center for the Indian Coast Guard. The success of this project may pave the way for similar initiatives in other branches of India's defense forces, such as the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army.

The initiative is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of decision-making within the Indian Coast Guard.

The project is be executed by Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), in collaboration with Yotta Infrastructure and Attero, a software solution company.

The data center will be built to Tier III standards, ensuring high reliability and security parameters, including a disaster recovery site.

The data center will integrate an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, connecting the Coast Guard's 109 offices and 88 ships. The data center aims to automate internal processes, including finance, HR, and operational modules.

This project is a major step towards modernizing the Indian Coast Guard's operations and enhancing their digital capabilities.