The Union Cabinet is expected to soon grant approval for the acquisition of 145 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF), as per reports citing defence sources. The move is part of the government’s larger strategy to enhance India’s border security operations and boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The proposed procurement, strongly backed by the Ministry of Defence, is aimed at strengthening operational capabilities along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. Given the rising security challenges, the induction of these helicopters is expected to significantly enhance India’s aerial combat and reconnaissance strength in high-altitude conflict zones, particularly in regions like the Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
HAL had been awarded a tender for 156 Light Combat Helicopters in June 2024, and after successful negotiations, the deal is now in its final stage, awaiting formal clearance from the Cabinet. Of the 156 helicopters, 90 are earmarked for the Indian Army, while 66 will be delivered to the IAF, with the Air Force leading the joint procurement initiative.
The Light Combat Helicopter, commonly known as ‘Prachand’, is a state-of-the-art attack helicopter developed by HAL under Project Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). It is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of taking off and landing at altitudes of up to 5,000 metres (16,400 feet), making it uniquely suited for deployment in extreme terrains.
Equipped with both air-to-air and air-to-ground missile capabilities, the Prachand has been designed to neutralise enemy air defence systems. Additionally, the helicopters are integrated with data chips, allowing them to participate in network-centric operations, thus enhancing battlefield coordination and force multiplication.
The Prachand was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in October 2022 and has since played a crucial role in India’s evolving aerial combat strategy.
The government’s decision to acquire these indigenous helicopters aligns with the broader objectives of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign defence imports and strengthening the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
In addition to the LCH procurement, the Centre has already placed an order for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and is in the process of finalising the acquisition of 97 more such aircraft, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in aviation technology.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has recently approved a Rs 7,000 crore deal for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) howitzers. The contract, which is scheduled to be signed on March 26, will be split between Bharat Forge and the Tata Group, further boosting indigenous defence production.
The approval of the LCH deal, alongside these artillery systems, marks a significant step in India’s efforts to modernise its defence forces and establish itself as a global defence manufacturing hub. The final clearance of the helicopter procurement is expected to create employment opportunities, spur advancements in aerospace technology, and reinforce India’s defence preparedness against emerging threats.
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