The first of the six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), being constructed by Chowgule and Company Private Limited for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was inducted into service in Goa today. Defence Ministry said that the hovercraft aims to enhance Coast Guard’s operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of maritime duties and reinforce its ability to respond to emerging challenges.

It added that the induction would further the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and serve as a reflection of the growing strength of the maritime industrial base of the country. It underscores the organisation’s continued focus on modernisation and capability enhancement in support of its mandate to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.