Atmanirbhar Firepower At Sea: Coast Guard Gets First Homegrown Hovercraft | Watch

Published 18 June 2026 · india

Atmanirbhar Firepower At Sea: Coast Guard Gets First Homegrown Hovercraft | Watch Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 21:10 IST India inducts first indigenous

Atmanirbhar Firepower At Sea: Coast Guard Gets First Homegrown Hovercraft | Watch Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 21:10 IST India inducts first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle H-561 at Chowgule and Company in Goa, boosting Indian Coast Guard coastal security and Atmanirbhar Bharat defence goals. India inducts first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle H-561 in Goa. (Image: Indian Coast Guard) In a significant boost to India’s indigenous maritime capabilities, the country’s first indigenously constructed Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), H-561, was formally inducted into service on June 18 at Chowgule & Company Private Limited’s shipyard facility in Goa. The induction ceremony was held at the shipbuilder’s Rassaim facility in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Bharatiya Tatrakshak representatives and members of the shipbuilding industry. The H-561 marks a milestone for India’s defence manufacturing sector and aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

#WATCH | The first indigenously constructed Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), H-561, was inducted into service on 18 June 2026 at Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa. The induction ceremony was held at the shipyard’s Rassaim facility in the presence of senior officials of Bharatiya… pic.twitter.com/K9j5KeN09n— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2026 What Is An Air Cushion Vehicle? An Air Cushion Vehicle, commonly known as a hovercraft, operates by creating a cushion of air beneath it, enabling it to travel over water, mudflats, marshes and even certain land surfaces. This unique capability makes ACVs particularly useful for coastal surveillance, search and rescue missions, disaster response operations and rapid deployment in difficult terrain. Boost For Coastal Security The induction of the indigenously built ACV is expected to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, especially in shallow waters, creeks, estuaries and coastal regions where conventional vessels may face limitations.

Such platforms are considered crucial for maritime security, anti-smuggling operations and humanitarian assistance missions along India’s vast coastline. Indigenous Defence Manufacturing Milestone The successful construction and induction of the H-561 represents a step forward for India’s domestic shipbuilding industry and its efforts to reduce dependence on imported maritime platforms. Officials said the project showcases the growing capability of Indian shipyards to design, develop and manufacture specialised vessels for national security requirements. The induction comes as India continues to expand its indigenous defence production ecosystem across the naval, coast guard and aerospace sectors. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.