The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has officially approved the acquisition of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF). This decision significantly enhances India’s indigenous combat helicopter fleet and underscores the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Breakdown of the “Prachand” Order
The Indian defense forces will receive 156 helicopters, strategically allocated between the two branches:
- Indian Air Force (IAF): 66 helicopters
- Indian Army: 90 helicopters
This procurement is a landmark move, with a total deal value of ₹62,700 crore. Clearly, this reflects the government’s focus on equipping the armed forces with cutting-edge, domestically developed technology to address modern battlefield challenges.
Delivery Timeline and Production Schedule of Prachand
To ensure a seamless transition into service, deliveries will commence three years after the contract is signed. In this period, HAL will focus on integrating and testing the Electronic Warfare (EW) suite and the full weapon package to ensure operational readiness.
- Production Rate: The manufacturing plan is ambitious, with HAL set to produce 30 helicopters per year.
- Expected Service Entry: If the deal is signed in 2025, deliveries will start by 2028.
- Completion Timeline: The entire fleet of 156 helicopters will be delivered within five years. Therefore, by 2033, both the IAF and Indian Army will have their full complement of LCH Prachand in operation.
This structured production schedule ensures that the forces receive new helicopters at a steady pace, allowing for effective training, deployment, and tactical integration.
Weapon Systems and Future Orders
The LCH Prachand is designed for high-altitude warfare and anti-armor operations, making it a game-changer for missions in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and other mountainous terrains. Given its role, the helicopter is expected to be armed with advanced Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), further increasing its lethality against enemy armored units.
Potential missile orders for this platform include:
- Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag) ATGM, designed for high-precision strikes.
- Dhruvastra ATGM, an advanced variant with improved guidance and impact capabilities. (IAF Variant of Helina)
Additionally, the Development & Demonstration (D&D) of the Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite is already underway. Several international defense companies have submitted bids to provide these critical systems, including:
- SAAB
- Elbit Systems
- Hensoldt
- Elettronica SpA
Furthermore, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAAB to integrate the LWS-310 laser warning system, which will enhance the survivability of the LCH against enemy radar and missile threats.
Strategic Importance of the LCH Prachand
The LCH Prachand represents a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. Specifically designed and developed by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), this combat helicopter excels in high-altitude operations, making it an essential asset for missions along India’s northern borders.
Key Features and Capabilities:
- Operates at altitudes above 16,000 feet, crucial for deployment in the Himalayas.
- Advanced stealth features and armor protection, ensuring survivability in hostile environments.
- Versatile weaponry, including rockets, air-to-air missiles, and anti-tank guided missiles, making it suitable for a range of combat scenarios.
- Cutting-edge sensors and night operation capabilities, allowing for precision targeting even in low-visibility conditions.
The induction of these helicopters will significantly strengthen India’s tactical air support and counter-insurgency operations. Consequently, the armed forces will gain a battle-proven, high-performance aircraft capable of tackling modern threats.
The CCS’s approval of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters marks a defining moment in India’s defense modernization efforts. Since deliveries will begin in the next few years, this acquisition will enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Army and Air Force, providing them with a lethal, high-altitude attack helicopter tailored for India’s unique operational needs.
As India continues to prioritize indigenous defense production, the LCH Prachand stands as a testament to the country’s growing prowess in advanced military aviation. Therefore, stay tuned for more updates on India’s defense acquisitions and technological advancements.