SOURCE: AFI
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has launched a significant initiative aimed at the indigenous design and development of hovercraft tailored for military operations. The challenge, titled “Indigenous Design & Prototype Development of Hovercraft for Military Operations,” is a core part of the Ministry of Defence’s latest innovation scheme, ADITI (Accelerated Development of Indigenously Teched Ideas). ADITI was launched by the Honourable Defence Minister under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)/DIO (Defence Innovation Organisation) framework, which promotes local development of cutting-edge defense technologies.
The ADITI scheme’s second edition introduces a focused push for innovative designs and prototypes that can be manufactured domestically. Through this challenge, GRSE seeks to develop hovercraft solutions that cater to the specific requirements of India’s armed forces, allowing for swift, agile, and versatile movement across diverse terrains, including marshlands, beaches, and water bodies. Hovercraft can be crucial assets for a range of military operations such as amphibious assaults, troop transport, logistics, and special operations, thanks to their unique ability to travel on water and land.
Under the ADITI scheme, the Ministry of Defence is offering a grant of up to INR 25 crore to support the design, development, and prototype production of innovative military solutions, including the hovercraft challenge by GRSE. The scheme is structured to foster collaboration between public and private entities, including startups, MSMEs, and academic institutions. This grant allows participants to conduct in-depth research, prototype development, and testing, ultimately providing the armed forces with cutting-edge, indigenously produced equipment.
Military hovercraft have proved to be versatile and effective platforms in modern warfare, capable of operating in challenging environments where conventional vehicles may falter. They are especially useful for the rapid deployment of troops and equipment, making them vital for both defensive and offensive operations. In coastal regions and difficult terrains, hovercraft allow military units to bypass land obstacles, potentially offering a tactical advantage.
GRSE’s push for an indigenous hovercraft aligns with India’s emphasis on developing platforms that can operate seamlessly across multiple terrain types, addressing the operational needs of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Army. This initiative could lead to advancements in India’s maritime and amphibious capabilities, supporting the nation’s evolving military strategy and enhancing operational readiness.