SOURCE: AFI
Recent reports suggest that Nigeria is set to become the first export customer for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). According to the Financial Express, discussions between HAL and Nigerian officials are nearing completion, with an agreement expected to be signed soon. This would mark a significant milestone for India’s defense exports and HAL’s ambitions to establish a foothold in the global defense market.
The Prachand LCH is priced competitively, with HAL quoting $17 million per unit, positioning it as one of the least expensive light combat helicopters in its class. This cost-effectiveness has drawn attention, especially when compared to other light combat helicopters in the global market. For instance, the Eurocopter Tiger, developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) in the 1980s, is often cited as the most expensive helicopter in the light combat class, with a price tag of $73 million. Similarly, the Turkish TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform, costs approximately $45 million per unit. Even the A129 Mangusta, which saw limited production before closing in the early 2000s, had a unit cost exceeding $30 million.
Another example, the Bell AH-1 SuperCobra, developed by Bell Textron, was sold at around $10 million per unit before production ceased in 1998. Today, even surplus SuperCobras are sold for upwards of $14 million, highlighting how aging platforms have appreciated in cost over time. Additionally, China’s Changhe Z-10, though touted as an affordable alternative, is expected to have a price point similar to the LCH, though official pricing has never been disclosed.
The Prachand LCH competes in the light attack helicopter class, which typically includes helicopters with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of approximately 5 tons. Designed to operate in high-altitude environments, the Prachand is a versatile platform capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and guns, while offering advanced avionics and protection systems. This makes it an attractive option for nations like Nigeria, where versatile, cost-effective, and high-performance military platforms are in demand.
Nigeria’s selection of the LCH underscores the growing appeal of Indian-made defense systems in the international market, particularly among countries seeking affordable alternatives to Western and Chinese military platforms. HAL’s success in securing Nigeria as a customer could open the door to additional export opportunities, particularly in Africa, where the demand for light combat helicopters is expected to rise in the coming years.
With its competitive pricing, robust capabilities, and adaptability to various combat environments, the Prachand LCH is set to become a formidable player in the global light combat helicopter market.