SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), the premier aerospace and defense company of India, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the production of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) ahead of schedule. These 15 LCH units are preproduction variants that will soon be utilized by the Indian Army Aviation and Indian Air Force to carry out user trials of this advanced attack helicopter.
The LCH, a twin-engine combat helicopter, is a dedicated platform in the 5-8 tonne class, designed and developed by HAL. The concept of this sophisticated helicopter emerged after the 1999 Kargil conflict, where the demand for a specialized aircraft capable of operating effectively in high-altitude terrains was keenly felt.
The LCH has emerged as a vital asset, becoming the world’s only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at altitudes as high as 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) while carrying a substantial load of weapons and fuel. This capability significantly augments the firepower of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Army in high-altitude areas, further enhancing the nation’s security in challenging mountainous regions.
The LCH has been developed with a considerable focus on indigenous content, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative and the country’s vision for self-reliance in defense production. The Light Combat Helicopter contains approximately 45% indigenous content by value, a figure that is expected to progressively increase to over 55% for the Series Production version, as previously stated by the Defense Ministry. By bolstering indigenous content, India aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen its domestic defense industry.
In a remarkable move, the Light Combat Helicopters have already been included in the import embargo list. This strategic decision reflects the government’s commitment to support indigenous defense manufacturing and highlights the nation’s confidence in the capabilities of HAL and its advanced aerospace technologies.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes