The Indian Coast Guard has conducted the Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard in Goa, marking another step in the construction of the indigenous platforms.
The ceremony was held on Monday, 11 May, for the Air Cushion Vehicles being built for the Indian Coast Guard under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the ACVs are being manufactured in India with 50% indigenous material, marking a significant step in the collective pursuit of self-reliance and technological advancement.
The contract for six indigenously fabricated and constructed Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard was signed with Chowgule and Company Private Limited, Goa, on 24 October 2024.
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The modern ACVs are planned for multipurpose maritime roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling and reconnaissance in shallow waters, marshy areas and deep sea.
They will also be used for interception and interdiction in areas of operation by day and night, as well as search and rescue operations.
The vessels will support assistance to ships and boats in distress, adding to the Coast Guard’s response capability in challenging maritime zones.
The ministry said the Air Cushion Vehicles will be deployed to safeguard India’s vast and dynamic coastal zone.
Once inducted, the ACVs are expected to add strategic mobility and operational flexibility to the Indian Coast Guard, especially in areas where conventional vessels face operational limits.
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