DECOMMISSIONING OF H-186 ON 29 JUN 26
INDIAN COAST GUARD DECOMMISSIONS HOVERCRAFT H-186 AFTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Haldia, West Bengal – 29 June 2026
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) marked the completion of a glorious chapter in its operational history today with the decommissioning of Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) H-186 at a solemn ceremony held at 88 ACV Squadron, Coast Guard Headquarters No.8, Haldia. The decommissioning ceremony was graced by Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (North East) as the Chief Guest, alongside distinguished civil dignitaries, senior ICG officers, and key stakeholders from the maritime community.
Commissioned into service on March 21, 2002, Hovercraft H-186 has been a stellar asset for the Indian Coast Guard, safeguarding India’s vast and diverse coastline for over two decades. With its agility and unique amphibious capabilities, H-186 provided a stable and capable platform for a wide range of missions, ranging from coastal surveillance to anti-smuggling operations.
During its illustrious service, H-186 consistently demonstrated exceptional Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities during critical operations. Its notable achievements include a large-scale SAR mission on January 16, 2023, where it successfully rescued 511 pilgrims under challenging conditions. Further, on January 16, 2024, it rescued 182 pilgrims, ensuring their safe evacuation. H-186 also conducted a search operation at Bakkhali Beach on August 11, 2024, recovering the bodies of two individuals. The craft was deservingly awarded ‘Best SAR Unit’ for the year 2004 and again for saving 78 lives in the year 2006.
The decommissioned craft is planned to be placed in New Town, Kolkata, as a relic to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebration of ICG. ICG acknowledges the unwavering dedication and professionalism of the officers and crew who have served on board H-186 throughout its service life.
The Indian Coast Guard has already started the induction of a new series of indigenous ACVs towards its commitment to maintaining a robust coastal security architecture, leveraging modernized assets and technology to meet evolving challenges.
