Chowgule Shipyard completes delivery of pioneering hovercraft for Indian Coast Guard operations
Chowgule Shipyard has delivered the first Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) under the Indian Coast Guard’s programme for six hovercraft, marking a major milestone for India’s domestic shipbuilding and defence sectors.
The delivery represents the induction of the first hovercraft to be built in India, supporting the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and advancing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
The hovercraft is the first of six hovercraft being constructed for the Indian Coast Guard, enhancing the service’s operational capabilities while demonstrating the growing maturity of India’s domestic naval and maritime industrial base.
Designed and manufactured under a technology licence from Griffon Marine, United Kingdom, a globally recognised pioneer in hovercraft design. The successful execution of this project reflects the growing capability of Indian industry to absorb advanced technologies and deliver sophisticated maritime platforms that meet global standards.
With a payload capacity of 8 tonnes, a maximum speed of 45 knots, and a cruising speed of 35 knots, the hovercraft is capable of carrying up to 42 personnel with an operational endurance of up to 9 hours. Its ability to operate seamlessly across shallow waters, mudflats, riverine environments, and coastal terrain provides unmatched flexibility in areas where conventional vessels cannot operate.
The craft will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in coastal surveillance, maritime security, search and rescue operations, and rapid response missions. Its deployment at Haldia, West Bengal, will play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s eastern coastline and supporting operations in the riverine and deltaic regions of Eastern India. Beyond its security role, the hovercraft will also serve as an essential asset during flood relief, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance efforts by enabling swift access to remote and challenging locations.
The delivery of the first ACV represents a major step forward in India’s journey towards maritime self-reliance. It not only strengthens national security but also marks a defining moment in India’s emergence as a builder of advanced and technologically sophisticated maritime defence platforms.
