India Approves Rs 62,000 Cr Deal for 156 LCH Helicopters for Army & IAF

Post by: Layla Badr

Photo: Reuters

On Friday, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the largest-ever deal to buy 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) for the Indian Army and Air Force. The deal is worth over ₹62,000 crore and will be fulfilled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This is the biggest order HAL has received so far. The helicopters will be built at HAL’s plants located in Bengaluru and Tumkur in Karnataka.

Helicopters for the Army and Air Force

Out of the 156 helicopters, 90 will be given to the Indian Army, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive 66. These helicopters will be used for missions along the borders with China and Pakistan. This major deal is also expected to create more jobs and boost the aerospace industry in India, according to defence officials.

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Special Features of the LCH (Prachand)

The LCH, also known as Prachand, is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). This makes it perfect for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh.

The Prachand is designed to carry and fire a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It can also target and destroy enemy air defence systems.

Boosting India’s Defence Manufacturing

The Indian government is focused on becoming self-reliant in defence production through the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs. As part of this effort, the government has already placed large orders for homegrown defence equipment. This includes 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and plans to purchase 97 more, with the negotiations already completed.

Upcoming Deal for Artillery Guns

In addition to the LCH deal, the Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved the purchase of 307 ATAGS howitzers. This deal, worth ₹7,000 crore, will be signed on Wednesday. The order is divided between Bharat Forge and the Tata Group, two major Indian defence companies.

These major deals reflect India’s commitment to strengthening its defence forces with locally made equipment, creating jobs, and promoting growth in the defence sector.

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