India Inducts First Indigenous Hovercraft into Coast Guard

Why in News:

The Indian Coast Guard inducted its first indigenously manufactured Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) H-561.

Key Highlights:

H-561 is India's first homegrown hovercraft.

Manufactured by Chowgule & Co. Pvt. Ltd., Goa.

Part of six ACVs ordered by the Indian Coast Guard.

Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Marks a major step in indigenous defence manufacturing.

About Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs):

ACVs are hovercraft that move on a cushion of air.

They can operate in:

Shallow waters

Mudflats

Sandy beaches

Marshy areas

Low-support surfaces

Importance for the Coast Guard:

Enhances coastal surveillance and security.

Enables rapid response during emergencies.

Useful for search and rescue operations.

Supports humanitarian assistance missions.

Can operate in littoral zones where conventional vessels cannot function due to shallow water, sandbars, and tidal variations.

Significance:

Strengthens India's maritime security architecture.

Boosts indigenous defence production capabilities.

Improves monitoring of India's vast coastline.

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes):

Hovercraft Name → H-561

Organization → Indian Coast Guard

Manufacturer → Chowgule & Co. Pvt. Ltd., Goa

Type → Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) / Hovercraft

Initiative → Make in India

ACVs Ordered → 6

Key Use → Coastal Surveillance, Search & Rescue

Key Fact → First indigenously manufactured hovercraft inducted into the Indian Coast Guard.