SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver a significant boost to India’s combat aviation with its order for 156 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand units, split between 90 for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force.
However, despite India’s push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the first batch of these indigenous attack helicopters will continue to rely on an imported component the Nexter-supplied 20mm M621 cannon. According to sources cited by idrw.org, developing a locally designed 20mm indigenous chin-gun is progressing. Still, it will not be ready in time for integration into the initial production run.
The LSP LCH Prachand, inducted into service in October 2022, features a Nexter-built THL 20 turret housing the M621 cannon, a lightweight, rapid-fire weapon integrated with a helmet-mounted sight for precision targeting. This imported system has been a key part of the helicopter’s armament since its limited series production (LSP) phase, where 15 units—10 for the IAF and 5 for the Army—were delivered and tested. With the new order, valued at over ?53,000 crore ($6.1 billion), HAL aims to ramp up production to meet the armed forces’ urgent needs, particularly for high-altitude operations along India’s contested borders.
However, integrating the indigenous chin-gun—a collaborative effort led by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)—is proving to be a longer journey than anticipated. Sources indicate that while development is underway, the rigorous testing and trials required to certify the gun for operational use will delay its availability. As a result, the first batch of the 156 LCH Prachands will roll out with the proven Nexter cannon, ensuring that production timelines remain on track and the armed forces receive the helicopters without further delays.
The 20mm indigenous chin-gun is a critical piece of HAL’s broader indigenization roadmap for the LCH Prachand, which currently boasts 45% indigenous content by value—a figure set to rise to over 55% in the series production phase. Designed to match or exceed the capabilities of the Nexter M621, the local gun aims to offer comparable firepower—800 rounds per minute with a range of up to 2 kilometres—while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Its integration would also streamline logistics and lower lifecycle costs, aligning with India’s self-reliance goals.
According to idrw.org, the indigenous gun could be incorporated into the LCH production line after the first 50 units, but this hinges on the completion of developmental trials and the transition to full-scale production. “The 20mm indigenous chin-gun might be integrated after testing and trials and might take into production LCH after 50 units onwards,” the report notes, cautioning that the timeline depends on when these milestones are achieved. Given the complexity of certifying a new weapon system for a combat helicopter, this could push integration into the latter half of the production run, potentially starting in 2027 or later if trials extend beyond current projections.
Once the indigenous 20mm chin-gun clears its trials, its integration could enhance the LCH Prachand’s appeal, both domestically and in export markets. HAL is already eyeing international customers, with Nigeria reportedly close to becoming the first foreign buyer at a competitive $17 million per unit. A fully indigenous armament suite could further sweeten the deal for cost-conscious nations seeking alternatives to Western or Chinese helicopters like the Eurocopter Tiger or Z-10.
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