New Delhi, 18 June (H.S.): Strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and advancing the national vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', India's first indigenously designed and manufactured Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) was inducted into the Coast Guard's maritime fleet on Thursday. The induction marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the country's maritime interests.
Commandant Amit Uniyal said the induction ceremony was held in Goa in the presence of senior Indian Coast Guard officials and representatives of the shipbuilding industry. He described the occasion as the successful outcome of sustained efforts by multiple stakeholders to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and promote self-reliance in the development of critical maritime platforms.
The Air Cushion Vehicle has been designed and built entirely in India, reflecting the growing strength of the country's maritime industrial base.
Uniyal said the project represents an important step towards promoting indigenous innovation, strengthening domestic shipbuilding expertise, and supporting the government's commitment to building a self-reliant defence ecosystem. The vessel will enhance operational support for a wide range of maritime missions and strengthen the Coast Guard's capability to address emerging challenges in the maritime domain.
He added that the induction also highlights the close collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defence, and Indian industry in delivering advanced indigenous solutions aligned with national priorities.
Such initiatives serve as key catalysts in strengthening India's defence manufacturing capabilities and advancing the vision of self-reliance in the maritime sector. The induction of the Air Cushion Vehicle marks another major milestone in India's journey towards developing indigenous capabilities and reflects the collective efforts of all stakeholders to build a modern, capable, and future-ready maritime force.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
