India has inducted its first homegrown hovercraft into the Indian Coast Guard. This newly inducted Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), designated as the H-561 it represents the major milestone under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and it highlights the country’s growing capability to develop the advanced maritime platforms domestically. It is designed for its high speed operations across the challenging coastal environments and it will enhance the coast guard’s capabilities.
Historic Milestone for the Indian Coast Guard
On 18th June, 2026 the Indian Coast Guard has inducted H-561 and it is the first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle.
The hovercraft has been developed by the Chowgule & Company Private Limited at the its shipbuilding facility in Goa.
H-561 is the first of the six hovercraft which are ordered by the Indian Coast Guard as part of its efforts to modernize and expand the coastal surveillance and response capabilities.
What Is an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV)?
An Air Cushion Vehicle, which is commonly known as a hovercraft. It is a unique type of vehicle that travels on the cushion of air generated by powerful lift fans.
Unlike conventional boats, hovercraft can operate over the,
- Shallow waters
- Mudflats
- Sandy beaches
- Marshlands
- Estuaries
- Coastal wetlands
This capability allows them to access those areas which are difficult or impossible for the traditional vessels to reach.
Why Hovercraft Are Important for Coastal Security
India has a coastline that stretches over 7,500 kilometers and it features the diverse geographical conditions that include creeks, mangroves, river mouths, mudflats and shallow coastal waters.
Many of these areas presents the operational challenges for conventional patrol vessels.
Hovercraft provides the practical solution because they can seamlessly move between land and water while maintaining the high speeds.
This flexibility enables the security forces to monitor vulnerable coastal zones more effectively.
Key Features of H-561 Hovercraft
The indigenous hovercraft has been designed to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Coast Guard.
- High-Speed Operations
- Multi-Terrain Mobility
- Enhanced Operational Reach
- Indigenous Design and Manufacturing
The hovercraft has been developed in the India and also supporting the self-reliance in the defense production and also reducing the dependence on imported platforms.
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