The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the procurement of 156 Prachand light combat helicopters (LCHs) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army, valued at ₹62,700 crore.
These helicopters, designed and developed in India, will bolster India’s defense capabilities, especially in high-altitude terrain, furthering the country’s self-reliance in military equipment.
The first contract covers 66 LCHs for the IAF, while the second involves 90 helicopters for the Indian Army.
The supply will begin in 2027-28 and continue over the next five years.
The Prachand LCHs are India’s first indigenously designed combat helicopters, engineered to operate in high-altitude areas and conduct precision strikes on enemy targets.
With an indigenous content of over 65% expected, the procurement will involve more than 250 domestic companies, including MSMEs, generating approximately 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.
HAL’s Indigenous LCH
The LCH features advanced technologies such as modern stealth, armor protection, and night attack capabilities.
It also carries a nose-mounted gun for close combat and air-to-air missiles, making it highly effective for both ground attack and aerial combat missions.
HAL’s development of this helicopter highlights the growing capabilities of India’s defense manufacturing sector, making it a pivotal addition to the armed forces’ arsenal.
Boost To Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
The Prachand LCHs form a part of India’s larger vision for self-reliance in defense production.
The helicopters’ development is a significant step in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, with HAL playing a central role.
The high degree of indigenous manufacturing will strengthen India’s defense industrial base, with local businesses playing a key role in the supply chain.
The helicopters will enhance the combat readiness of both the IAF and Army, particularly in high-altitude regions where India has strategic security interests.
The contract will support India’s defense capabilities, equipping its armed forces with modern, indigenous technology to meet evolving challenges.
MoD’s Record-Breaking Contracts
In 2024-25, the Ministry of Defence has already surpassed ₹2.09 trillion in contracts, marking the highest value in a single year.
Of these, domestic companies have received 92% of the contracts, reinforcing the shift toward self-reliance in defense procurement.
This achievement highlights the MoD’s commitment to strengthening India’s defense capabilities and fostering indigenous manufacturing.
Building on this momentum, the delivery of the LCHs set to begin in the coming years further emphasizes the Ministry’s strategic focus on indigenous production and advanced capabilities.
As a result, India is positioned to emerge as a global leader in defense innovation and self-sufficiency, ensuring long-term modernization goals are met.
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