SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s aviation wing, which has traditionally operated utility helicopters, took a significant leap forward with the induction of its first dedicated attack helicopter, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), in November 2022. The first LCH squadron, 351 Army Aviation, was moved to Missamari, Assam, located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a strategic area in the Eastern sector. This marks a pivotal shift in the Army’s air power capabilities, enabling more effective combat operations in both high-altitude and challenging terrains.
In a significant move to enhance the Army’s combat aviation strength, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 156 LCHs at an estimated cost of ?45,000 crore. Of these, 90 will be for the Army, and 66 will go to the Air Force. This is in addition to the 15 limited series production (LSP) LCHs currently being procured — 10 for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and five for the Army, at a cost of ?4,264 crore.
The LCH, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is designed to operate in high-altitude regions, making it a valuable asset for missions along the LAC and other mountainous areas where India’s forces face unique operational challenges. The Army’s increasing focus on attack helicopters reflects its growing need for agile, offensive air capabilities to counter threats in critical regions.
With its capabilities fine-tuned for high-altitude warfare, the Army plans to deploy the LCH in Ladakh by 2024-25. This region, with its rugged and mountainous terrain, requires helicopters with specific performance parameters that can handle thin air and freezing temperatures. The LCH, equipped with advanced avionics, precision targeting, and weapons systems, is tailored for such conditions, giving the Army an edge in any potential conflicts in the region.
The LCH’s induction is crucial, especially as tensions along the LAC remain high. Its ability to operate at altitudes as high as 15,000 feet offers the Army unmatched mobility and firepower in challenging environments where traditional military equipment struggles.
While the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are being acquired by the Indian Army to bolster its capabilities in the western desert regions, the Apache’s operational envelope is limited in high-altitude environments like Ladakh. “The Apaches are ideal for countering armored threats and will be deployed in desert warfare,” a defense official said, noting that their use in high altitudes may be restricted due to performance limitations at those heights.
In addition to the LCH, the Army operates 75 Rudra helicopters, the armed version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which has proven to be an effective platform for both utility and combat roles. The Rudra helicopters are also designed and manufactured by HAL and are capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, from air-to-ground strikes to surveillance and reconnaissance.
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