Indigenisation of niche defence platforms such as Air Cushion Vehicles is as critical as building capital warships. Discuss in the context of India's coastal security architecture.

Q. Indigenisation of niche defence platforms such as Air Cushion Vehicles is as critical as building capital warships. Discuss in the context of India's coastal security architecture. (15 marks, 250-350 words)

India's 7,500-km coastline is guarded not only by capital warships in blue waters, but by small craft operating in creeks, mudflats and marshes. The induction of the first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) into the Indian Coast Guard at Goa in June 2026 [1] shows that niche platforms are equally decisive for coastal security.

Operational necessity: capability, not tonnage - ACVs are amphibious hovercraft able to patrol shallow waters, marshy areas and deep sea, and to intercept by day and night — terrain where frigates and OPVs simply cannot operate [4]. - The Sundarbans, Rann of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat creeks are classic infiltration and smuggling corridors; post-26/11 coastal security depends on such shallow-draught interdiction. - They add search and rescue and assistance to craft in distress [3], widening ICG's humanitarian role.

Indigenisation dividend - The ₹387.44 crore contract (24 October 2024) with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa covers six ACVs under the Buy (Indian) category — hovercraft built in India for the first time [3]. - Over 50% indigenous content channels orders to the MSME ancillary base and builds domestic design absorption of proven Griffon Hoverwork technology [2][4]. - Award to a private yard rather than a DPSU deepens competition in defence shipbuilding.

Strategic value - Reduces import dependence for a class India earlier bought off-the-shelf, insulating replacement and spares cycles from external disruption. - Sustains fleet numbers: niche craft are cheaper and faster to build, so gaps in surveillance density close sooner than through capital acquisitions alone.

Capital warships project power outward; niche platforms secure the littoral seam where threats actually enter. A layered coastal architecture therefore needs both, and indigenisation must extend down the value chain, not stop at flagship programmes. Sustained order pipelines to private yards — as the ACV project demonstrates [5] — will make Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence a structural reality rather than a set of showcase launches.

(~325 words)

Sources: 1. ICG bolsters operational effectiveness with induction of indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle, PIB (18 June 2026) — induction of first indigenous ACV at Goa 2. Indigenous Hovercraft Construction for ICG Begins at Chowgule Shipyard, PIB (30 July 2025) — Griffon Hoverwork design basis, indigenous construction 3. MoD inks Rs 387.44 crore contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa for six Air Cushion Vehicles for Indian Coast Guard, PIB (24 October 2024) — contract value, six ACVs, Buy (Indian) category, MSME growth, SAR role 4. Indian Coast Guard Conducts Girder Laying Ceremony for Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles in Goa, PIB (11 May 2026) — shallow-water/marshy-area roles, ~50% indigenous material 5. DG ICG inaugurates Waterjet Production & Testing Facility in Goa, PIB — indigenisation of marine propulsion supporting the ICG order pipeline