SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is buzzing with activity after receiving a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a staggering 156 LCH Prachand light attack helicopters. But HAL isn’t resting on its laurels. They’ve already begun looking ahead, tweaking the LCH platform for potential future technologies, even if the armed forces haven’t explicitly requested them yet.
Drawing lessons from the recent Ukraine conflict, HAL anticipates a growing demand for integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with attack helicopters. This would likely involve large display screens and helmet-mounted displays for enhanced situational awareness. HAL is proactively preparing the LCH for this integration, confident that such a request from the Indian armed forces is on the horizon.
Another area of focus for HAL is the incorporation of loitering munitions, small, expendable drones armed with explosives. These can be launched from the LCH and provide valuable close-air support options. HAL is reportedly seeking partnerships with established loitering munition manufacturers, aiming to seamlessly integrate these weapons with the LCH’s existing weaponry.
The LCH already boasts a robust armament suite, including guided and unguided 70mm rockets and air-to-air infrared-guided missiles. Additionally, the integration of 3rd generation air-launched Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) is planned.
By integrating future-proof features and seeking partnerships for loitering munitions, HAL is ensuring the LCH Prachand remains a potent weapon in India’s arsenal for years to come. Whether the Armed Forces officially request these advancements remains to be seen, but HAL is already preparing to deliver.
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