India’s Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ Inducted Into Indian Air Force

Prachand is the first made-in-India light combat helicopter (LCH), given to the Indian Air Force. LCH Prachand is the result of 20 years of research & development.

On Monday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the locally constructed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) “Prachand” at the Jodhpur air base.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defense Services (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were also in attendance at the occasion.

Rajnath Singh participated in a “Sarv-Dharam” prayer as well as the first made-in-India LCH’s induction ceremony. Speaking at the Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Induction Ceremony in Jodhpur, he tweeted, along with a video of his speech.

Defense Manufacturing Milestone

Attack helicopters have been required for a long time, according to the defense minister, who noted that the 1999 Kargil war emphasized their significance. After two decades of work and development, the LCH has finally been approved by the IAF, marking a significant advancement in the field of defense manufacturing.

Indian Light Combat Helicopter

According to media reports, the dedicated combat helicopter, known as the light combat helicopter, was produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

HAL asserts that the light combat helicopter is the only attack helicopter in the world that can take off and land off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) while delivering a substantial load of armaments and fuel in order to meet the particular needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

The helicopter possesses the essential maneuverability, range, performance at high altitudes, and all-weather combat capabilities.
It would serve as a useful platform for addressing the operational requirements of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

The procurement of 15 locally developed Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH for ₹ 3,887 crore was authorized by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March.
The Indian Army will acquire five helicopters, while the IAF would receive ten, as per the defense ministry.