Advanced ACVs Replace 20‑Year‑Old Fleet in Sundarbans, Boost Patrols

HALDIYA, West Bengal – The Eastern seaboard’s maritime safety received a fresh upgrade as the Indian Coast Guard stationed two cutting‑edge air‑cushion vehicles, H‑561 and H‑562, at its Haldiya base. The vessels, manufactured by Chogule & Company Private Ltd. in Goa under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, are set to take over duties from the aging H‑182 and H‑186 units that have been operational for over twenty years in the Sundarbans.

These new ACVs are engineered for higher speed and carry sophisticated surveillance gear, making them ideal for patrolling the shallow river channels, expansive mudflats and ecologically delicate coastal strips that characterize the region. Their presence is expected to sharpen the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor sea traffic, protect national maritime interests and execute rapid response missions.

Officials emphasized that the enhancement aligns with the organization’s mantra – “We protect” – and marks a substantial leap in India’s capacity to defend its maritime boundaries. The move follows the September 23 commissioning of another domestically built ACV, H‑562, which was the second such indigenous vessel joining the fleet, underscoring the country’s commitment to self‑reliant maritime defense.