In the presence of Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and Air Leader Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) chief, a locally constructed light combat helicopter (LCH) named “Prachand” was inducted. Today in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Rajnath Singh attended the inauguration of the first locally developed LCH. A’sarv-dharam’ prayer was also offered.
A key milestone in the production of defence
At the induction ceremony, Rajnath Singh said, “There has always been a demand for assault helicopters, and that need was acutely felt during the 1999 Kargil war. Two decades of research and development went into creating the LCH. And its introduction into the IAF is a significant turning point for the defence industry. ” He continued, “LCH is able to avoid the enemy, carry a variety of munitions, and quickly deliver them to the place.” The LCH is an excellent platform for both our Army and Airforce, and it completely meets our armed services’ requirements in a variety of terrains.
The defence minister tweeted in advance of the induction ceremony: “I will be in Jodhpur, Rajasthan tomorrow, October 3rd, to attend the induction ceremony of the first indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters” (LCH). The introduction of these helicopters will significantly improve the IAF’s ability to engage in combat. The light combat helicopter is made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is a unique combat helicopter that was designed and made in India (HAL).
According to HAL, the light combat helicopter satisfies the unique needs of the Indian Armed Forces by being the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 metres (16,400 feet) while carrying a sizable load of weapons and fuel.
The helicopter has all the necessary agility, manoeuvrability, range extension, high altitude performance, and 24/7/365 all-weather combat capabilities. The Indian Army and Air Force might use it as a powerful platform to suit their operational needs.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, authorised the purchase of 15 locally developed Limited Series Production (LSP) LCHs in March for a total of Rs 3,887 crore. Ten helicopters would be given to the Indian Air Force and five to the Indian Army, according to the defence ministry.
Indian Air Force has obtained its first made-in-India light combat helicopter, the ‘Prachand.’
