SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defense manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized a historic deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand, valued at over ?62,700 crore. Signed on March 28, 2025, this agreement marks the largest-ever order placed with HAL and underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense under the “Make in India” initiative. The first batch of five helicopters is slated for delivery in mid-2028, with production centered at HAL’s state-of-the-art Tumkur facility in Karnataka, purpose-built for the LCH and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) programs.
The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, allocates 90 LCH Prachand helicopters to the Indian Army and 66 to the Indian Air Force (IAF). These twin-engine, multi-role attack helicopters, designed and developed by HAL, are tailored for high-altitude warfare, a capability honed in response to the operational demands exposed during the 1999 Kargil War. With deliveries scheduled to commence three years from the contract signing—projected for mid-2028—the agreement includes training and associated equipment, ensuring the armed forces are fully equipped to integrate this advanced platform.
HAL’s Tumkur facility, inaugurated in 2016 and expanded specifically for helicopter production, will serve as the manufacturing hub for these helicopters. Spanning over 615 acres, this plant is one of Asia’s largest helicopter production centers and reflects HAL’s ambition to streamline and scale its rotary-wing output. The facility’s infrastructure is optimized for both the LCH Prachand and the LUH, enabling HAL to meet the armed forces’ growing demand while positioning India as a potential exporter of combat helicopters.
The LCH Prachand, meaning “fierce” in Hindi, is a 5.8-tonne-class helicopter renowned for its ability to operate at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 feet)—a unique feature among attack helicopters globally. This capability makes it ideal for deployment in high-altitude regions like the Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh, where India faces ongoing strategic challenges along its borders with China and Pakistan. Armed with a 20mm nose gun, 70mm rockets, the indigenous Dhruvastra anti-tank guided missile, and the MBDA Mistral-2 air-to-air missile (with a 6.5 km range), the Prachand delivers precision firepower against tanks, bunkers, drones, and enemy aircraft.
The helicopter’s design incorporates stealth features, robust armor, and a modern glass cockpit with an Integrated Avionics and Display System (IADS), enhancing pilot situational awareness and night-attack capabilities. Powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti engines, the Prachand boasts a combat radius of 500 km and a service ceiling of 21,000 feet, ensuring versatility across diverse terrains and mission profiles.
HAL has committed to delivering the first batch of five LCH Prachand helicopters by mid-2028, with the remaining 151 units to follow over the subsequent five years, averaging approximately 30 helicopters annually. This production pace aligns with the Tumkur facility’s capacity, which is designed to support an output of up to 30 combat helicopters per year. The initial batch will undergo rigorous testing and integration with the Army and IAF, paving the way for squadron-level deployments along India’s northern and western frontiers.
The Tumkur plant’s role extends beyond mere assembly; it fosters a robust ecosystem of local suppliers, with the LCH currently featuring 45% indigenous content by value. HAL aims to increase this to over 65% during the execution of this contract, incorporating locally developed systems like the Rotor Damper System, recently assigned to Bengaluru-based TimeTooth Technologies for indigenization. This push for self-reliance not only reduces dependency on foreign imports but also strengthens India’s defense-industrial base.
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