On October 24, 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. from Goa. This deal is worth Rs 387.44 crore for six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard. These vehicles, also known as hovercrafts, will be made in India as part of the ‘Buy Indian’ program.
This is the first time these ACVs will be manufactured in India. This effort supports the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. It will help develop local expertise and boost small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
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The new hovercrafts will improve the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard. They will be used for various important tasks, such as fast coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, search and rescue, and helping ships in distress.
