SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
At the Paris Air Show 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Dr. DK Sunil spoke to FlightGlobal at the company’s chalet, showcasing significant advancements in India’s indigenous defense programs. Among the highlights was the successful delivery of 15 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) to the Indian military, with improvements in maintainability based on feedback from the armed forces.
Responding to feedback from India’s military, HAL has made significant enhancements to the Prachand’s design to improve ease of maintenance. “The Prachand is a very agile aircraft with a very small radar cross section,” Dr. Sunil noted, highlighting its operational strengths. “It’s a very capable platform.” The improved maintainability is expected to enhance the helicopter’s operational readiness, addressing the armed forces’ need for reliable and efficient platforms in demanding conditions. The new batch of 156 Prachands will also feature upgraded weapons systems, including anti-tank missiles, further boosting their combat capabilities.
During his discussion with FlightGlobal, Dr. Sunil revealed that the Prachand has garnered significant interest from international markets, particularly from nations in Africa and Asia. This aligns with HAL’s broader strategy to increase defense exports, targeting $5 billion by 2025 in line with India’s Make in India initiative. The Prachand’s compact design, agility, and ability to operate in diverse environments make it an attractive option for countries seeking cost-effective, high-performance light combat helicopters.
HAL’s efforts to establish logistic bases in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam further signal its ambition to penetrate Southeast Asian, West Asian, and North African markets. The Prachand’s export potential is a testament to HAL’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of advanced defense platforms, bolstered by its decades-long expertise in aerospace manufacturing.
Looking ahead, HAL’s Tumkuru facility is set to produce 30 Prachand helicopters annually, ensuring deliveries of the 156 ordered units are completed within five years, starting from 2027–28. This production capacity, combined with HAL’s focus on export markets, positions the Prachand as a flagship product in India’s defense portfolio.
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