SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defense manufacturing and military modernization efforts, the Standing Committee on Defence has confirmed the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand for the financial year 2025-26. The announcement, detailed in a report tabled in Parliament, underscores the government’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with advanced, homegrown platforms. Alongside this, plans are also underway to procure Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) during the same period, further strengthening the rotary-wing capabilities of the Indian Army and Air Force.
The decision to procure 156 units, slated for FY 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026), follows years of development and testing, during which the Prachand proved its mettle in extreme conditions, including deployments in Ladakh during the 2020 border standoff with China. The Standing Committee’s report highlights the helicopter’s strategic importance, noting its role in enhancing the Indian Army and Air Force’s ability to conduct rapid, precise strikes in contested environments.
The order, expected to be worth billions of rupees, will be a shot in the arm for HAL, which has already delivered a limited number of Prachands under an initial contract. The bulk procurement of 156 units—likely split between the Army and Air Force—reflects confidence in the platform’s performance and its alignment with the “Make in India” initiative. It also positions the Prachand as a cornerstone of India’s combat aviation fleet for decades to come.
In tandem with the LCH order, the Standing Committee report signals the government’s intent to procure Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) in FY 2025-26. Also developed by HAL, the LUH is a single-engine, multi-role helicopter designed to replace aging Cheetah and Chetak fleets currently in service with the Army, Air Force, and Navy. With a maximum altitude capability of 6,500 meters and a payload capacity suited for troop transport, reconnaissance, and casualty evacuation, the LUH is a critical asset for operations in high-altitude and remote areas.
The dual procurement of 156 LCH Prachands and an unspecified number of LUHs in FY 2025-26 carries profound implications for India’s defense ecosystem. Strategically, it enhances the armed forces’ ability to dominate high-altitude battlefields, a priority given ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). The Prachand’s combat capabilities, paired with the LUH’s utility role, create a synergistic effect, enabling rapid response and sustained operations in rugged terrains.
Economically, the orders are a boon for HAL and its network of domestic suppliers. The production of these helicopters will generate thousands of jobs, boost small and medium enterprises in the defense sector, and reinforce India’s push for self-reliance in military hardware. The deals also align with the government’s capital expenditure targets for defense, with FY 2025-26 shaping up as a landmark year for indigenous acquisitions.
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