Wed. Aug 6th, 2025

The construction of India’s first indigenous hovercraft for the Coast Guard has commenced at the Goa Shipyard, a major shipbuilding facility located in Vasco da Gama, Goa. This project is a significant step forward for India’s defense manufacturing sector, as it aims to reduce dependence on foreign-made equipment and enhance the country’s maritime security capabilities. The hovercraft, designed to operate in shallow waters and coastal areas, will play a crucial role in the Coast Guard’s surveillance and patrol operations. With its ability to traverse difficult terrain and reach remote areas, the hovercraft will be an invaluable asset for search and rescue missions, as well as anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations. The Goa Shipyard, which has a long history of building ships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, has been entrusted with the task of designing and constructing the hovercraft. The shipyard has already begun working on the project, with a team of experienced engineers and technicians overseeing the construction process. The hovercraft is expected to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced radar and communication systems, as well as a robust propulsion system. The Indian Coast Guard, which is responsible for protecting the country’s vast coastline, has been seeking to enhance its capabilities in recent years. The addition of the indigenous hovercraft will be a major boost to the Coast Guard’s fleet, allowing it to respond more effectively to emerging threats and challenges. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region. The construction of the hovercraft is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in defense manufacturing, with the country seeking to become a major player in the global defense industry. The project has been made possible through the collaboration of various government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Coast Guard. The Goa Shipyard has a proven track record of delivering high-quality ships and vessels, and the construction of the hovercraft is expected to be completed within the next few years. The Indian government has been investing heavily in the development of its defense manufacturing sector, with a focus on promoting indigenous production and reducing dependence on foreign-made equipment. The construction of the hovercraft is a major milestone in this effort, and is expected to pave the way for the development of more advanced defense technologies in the future. The hovercraft will be designed to operate in a variety of environments, including shallow waters, coastal areas, and even frozen terrain. The vessel will be equipped with a range of advanced sensors and communication systems, allowing it to detect and respond to threats in real-time. The Indian Coast Guard has been working closely with the Goa Shipyard to ensure that the hovercraft meets its specific requirements and needs. The project has been subject to rigorous testing and evaluation, with a focus on ensuring that the hovercraft is safe, reliable, and effective. The construction of the hovercraft is a significant achievement for India’s defense manufacturing sector, and is expected to have a major impact on the country’s maritime security capabilities. The project is also expected to generate significant interest and attention from other countries, with India seeking to export its defense technologies and equipment to other nations. The Indian government has been promoting the development of its defense manufacturing sector through a range of initiatives and policies, including the ‘Make in India’ program. The construction of the hovercraft is a major success story for this program, and is expected to pave the way for the development of more advanced defense technologies in the future.

Source