India's Maritime Future: Indigenous Hovercrafts to Boost Coast Guard Capabilities

The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 387.44 crore contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd to procure six Air Cushion Vehicles, or hovercrafts, for the Indian Coast Guard. This move, part of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, aims to enhance maritime security and support the growth of the local MSME sector.

The defence ministry has inked a Rs 387.44 crore contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd to bolster India's maritime security capabilities through the acquisition of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard.

This significant procurement underscores the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision by manufacturing the hovercrafts domestically for the first time, representing progress in the country's shipping technology.

These versatile vessels will be utilized in a variety of maritime roles such as high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, and search and rescue operations, thereby strengthening the Indian Coast Guard's operational efficiency.

(With inputs from agencies.)