Revolutionizing Coastal Defence: Bharat’s First Indigenous Hovercraft Takes Flight

Recently, a notable event took place in India’s maritime security journey. On July 30, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) started building its first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) at Chowgule & Company in Goa. This marks a significant step towards self-reliance in defending India’s vast coastlines.

This new hovercraft design is inspired by successful models like the Griffon series. It’s tailored to meet India’s unique coastal conditions, which include shallow waters, wetlands, and mangrove areas. This will enhance patrolling, disaster response, and interdiction missions up and down India’s 7,500-kilometer coastline.

Operational challenges exist due to India’s diverse geography. Regular patrol boats struggle in shallower areas, particularly in regions like the Sunderbans and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Hovercraft glide over both water and land, giving them a speedy edge over traditional vessels. They are ideal for quick rescues and combat against illegal activities such as poaching and smuggling.

The journey with hovercrafts began for the ICG back in the 1980s, using British-made models. While effective, they presented maintenance issues and compatibility challenges with local conditions. Building ACVs locally allows India to overcome these hurdles, using indigenous resources and knowledge.

These new ACVs come packed with advanced navigation and communication systems and can operate in the rough maritime environment of India. They will not only secure vulnerable coastal areas but also support rapid humanitarian aid during disasters and intercept illegal activities.

Goa’s Chowgule & Company has a long history in shipbuilding. By blending local expertise with international design standards, this project exemplifies the “Make in India” initiative. Inspector General Sahni emphasized that this collaboration shows progress towards self-sufficiency in maritime defense.

This effort aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” or self-reliant India, especially within the defense sector. The country’s defense production has reached record heights, going from ₹43,000 crores a decade ago to ₹1.46 lakh crores now. Exports have also surged, demonstrating India’s increasing capability and commitment to produce defense goods locally.

The current geopolitical climate, especially tensions with neighboring countries, makes this project timely. India’s ability to design and deploy its defense assets is crucial for securing its maritime future. These ACVs may pave the way for further advancements in defense capabilities, potentially including larger models for broader logistic and civilian applications.

Other nations like the UK, Russia, and South Korea have long recognized the importance of hovercraft in coastal operations. With India stepping up its maritime strategy, these indigenous ACVs will enhance its presence and security in the Indian Ocean Region while also sharing vital data with larger naval units.

As these hovercraft patrol India’s waters, they will symbolize the ingenuity of Indian engineering and the nation’s resolve to safeguard its maritime borders.

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