New hovercraft order approved for Indian Coast Guard and Army

India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved a request to procure additional air cushion vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Army.

“These craft offer capability enhancement for the services, and would prove useful for amphibious/riverine operations, especially where there is a requirement to move men and material from one island to another island, across riverine terrain, creeks,” a Defence Ministry statement read.

It is not yet clean how many ACVs will be procured for the two services but it was stated they would be purchased from an Indian shipyard.