Current Affairs - Defence - Discussion

The Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) of the Indian Coast Guard was conducted in Goa on May 11, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard. These hovercrafts are being built with 50% indigenous material under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ACVs are specially designed for high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, and search-and-rescue missions in shallow waters, marshy terrains, and deep sea regions. The project highlights India’s growing focus on strengthening coastal security and indigenous defence production.