India, June 19 -- The first of the six hovercraft being built by a firm for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which aims to enhance its operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of maritime duties and reinforce its ability to respond to emerging challenges, was inducted into service on Thursday, officials said.

The air cushion vehicle has been designed and constructed in India and reflects the growing strength of the nation's maritime industrial base, they said.

In a significant milestone towards strengthening the ICG's capabilities and advancing the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the first indigenously constructed air cushion vehicle (ACV), H-561, was inducted into service on June 18 at Chowgule & Company Private Limited, ...