Massive Leap: India Orders 156 Light Combat Helicopters
India recently signed a landmark defence contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The deal, valued at ₹62,700 crore (US$7.3 billion), includes 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).
Of these, 66 will join the Indian Air Force, and 90 will support the Indian Army. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in three years and will continue over five years. This move boosts indigenous defence production and strengthens India’s combat aviation fleet.
Parallel Progress: Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH)
Simultaneously, HAL is working on the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH). As the name suggests, this helicopter is designed to perform multiple operational roles. It can be used for air assault, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions, and VIP transport. The IMRH is set to replace all Mi-17 and Mi-8 helicopters across Indian Armed Forces. This platform will become the backbone of India’s medium-lift helicopter fleet.
Powerful Design and Indigenous Potential
The IMRH will feature a 13-tonne maximum takeoff weight and a five-bladed main rotor. It will also include a four-bladed tail rotor to enhance balance and agility. HAL is also designing a naval version with increased range and higher payload capacity. India expects to need over 314 helicopters in this category across the services. This reflects a large-scale shift towards a self-reliant helicopter ecosystem.
Platform Flexibility: Built for Adaptability
The “multi-role” nature of IMRH gives it unmatched versatility. It can serve many missions, or be optimised for one specific role when needed. If the situation demands, HAL can reconfigure it into a dedicated gunship or heavy attack helicopter. India has already shown this ability by developing Prachand from the ALH Dhruv. That success serves as a model for future transformations of IMRH.
Aravali Engine: Enabling True Indigenous Power
The development of the Aravali engine boosts confidence in the IMRH program. This Indian engine will reduce dependence on foreign powerplants in critical defence platforms. With a reliable indigenous engine in sight, IMRH’s realisation is no longer a distant dream. As soon as the Indian government decides on the manufacturing mechanism, work can begin. HAL appears focused on getting the base version flying before developing role-specific variants.
Why a Heavy Attack Helicopter Is Essential
India’s defence needs demand more than just light and medium combat helicopters. A heavy attack helicopter brings unmatched firepower, sensor range, and battlefield dominance. It can carry advanced radar systems, heavy ordnance, and loitering munitions with ease. Apache-like helicopters have space and power for bigger weapons and electronics. In future warfare, this class of helicopters will be game changers.
No Official Plan Yet, But the Possibility is Real
Currently, no confirmed project exists for a heavy attack version of IMRH. However, the possibility remains open—and technically, it is very achievable. Once the base IMRH enters production, weaponised versions can follow in less time. Like Rudra and Prachand, IMRH variants could evolve into dedicated attack platforms. What matters most now is delivering the core helicopter on time.
A Clear Path Ahead
India is clearly moving toward helicopter self-reliance with each new platform. IMRH represents the next major milestone in this journey. Once the platform is proven, HAL can adapt it for future attack variants if needed. With the Aravali engine and growing expertise, nothing stands in the way—except time.
The heavy attack helicopter India needs may not be built yet—but it is within reach.