The Girder Laying Ceremony of the 4th, 5th and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was held at Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard, Goa, on May 11, 2026. Under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, these ACVs are being manufactured with 50% indigenous material in India, marking a significant leap in the collective pursuit of self-reliance and technological advancement.

The contract for six indigenously fabricated and constructed ACVs for ICG was signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa on October 24, 2024. These modern air cushion vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling and reconnaissance in shallow waters, marshy areas and deep sea and interception/interdiction in areas of operation by both day- night and search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and boats in distress. The ACVs will be deployed to safeguard India's vast and dynamic coastal zone, adding significant strategic mobility and operational flexibility to the ICG.

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