India’s maritime manufacturing sector has achieved a significant milestone with the handover of the second indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle, designated as ICG H-562, to the Indian Coast Guard.

The vessel was constructed by the shipbuilding division of Chowgule and Company, based out of Goa, and follows the delivery of the first hovercraft in the series, ICG H-561, which was handed over just three months prior in June 2026.

Both hovercraft were constructed, tested, and delivered strictly within the contractual timelines stipulated by the authorities, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in domestic vessel production.

During extensive trial runs, the vessels exceeded their contracted maximum speed of 45 knots, showcasing superior operational performance and engineering standards for the coastal security force.

This delivery marks an important milestone in the nation's defence manufacturing capabilities, representing a substantial step forward in building specialised naval craft domestically.

The project originates from a commercial contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence under the Buy (Indian) category for six 8,000TD Air Cushion Vehicles, valued at approximately ₹38,744 Lakhs ($40 million).

This initiative stands as the first-ever order for hovercraft to be constructed within India specifically for the operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard.

The manufacture of these specialised vessels is taking place at a dedicated hovercraft production facility established in Goa, equipped with specialised infrastructure to handle advanced hull structures and propulsion systems.

These Air Cushion Vehicles are specifically engineered to navigate and operate seamlessly across shallow, marshy, and inter-tidal waters where conventional sea vessels face operational limitations.

Once fully deployed, the hovercraft will execute crucial maritime duties including round-the-clock coastal surveillance, patrol operations, high-speed interception, and search-and-rescue missions along India's extensive coastline.

The continuous execution of this project highlights the expanding prowess of domestic industrial networks in catering to the specialised equipment requirements of the maritime defence sector.

By localising production in Goa, the project has successfully nurtured a local industrial supply chain, sourcing critical components from Goan companies and providing commercial opportunities for local MSMEs and skilled technical workers.

The success of the program directly supports the overarching policy goals of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance while cultivating specialised engineering skills within the country.

With the second vessel now handed over, four remaining hovercraft in the series are currently in advanced stages of construction at the Goan shipyard.

As construction progresses, the project will further enhance the capability of local shipyards to design, build, and maintain complex vessels built for hostile and challenging inter-tidal environments.

The delivery of ICG H-562 showcases the strategic importance of indigenous innovation, technical collaboration, and local manufacturing prowess in safeguarding national waters and advancing a robust maritime ecosystem.

This video outlines the key milestones in the induction of the indigenous hovercraft series for the Indian Coast Guard, showing how these craft enhance coastal surveillance and maritime security.

Agencies