Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV)

Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV)

The Indian Coast Guard recently conducted the girder-laying ceremony for the fourth, fifth, and sixth indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle at the Rassaim Yard in Goa. These hovercraft are being built under the “Make in India” initiative and represent a significant step toward strengthening coastal security and indigenous defence manufacturing.

An Air Cushion Vehicle is an amphibious craft that operates on the principle of a “surface effect.” Instead of displacing water like conventional boats, it floats on a cushion of high-pressure air trapped beneath flexible rubber skirts. This enables it to travel over water, mudflats, marshes, sand, and even shallow coastal areas where ordinary vessels cannot operate effectively.

The vehicles are being constructed by Chowgule and Company, India’s first private shipyard to indigenously manufacture such systems for the Coast Guard, with technical collaboration from the United Kingdom. Around 50% indigenous content has reportedly been achieved.