India has shone the green light for the purchase of 156 light combat helicopters (LCH) along with a training program and other related equipment worth more than 620 billion rubles (7.3 billion USD).
According to the official announcement, India's largest defense deal ever was approved by the cabinet Committee on Security on March 28 and then signed by the Ministry of National Defense.
The helicopter that India is buying is supplied by state defense manufacturer hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Indian military will receive 90 helicopters while the other 66 are transferred to the country's air force.
The Prachand light combat helicopter is considered the only attack helicopter in the world capable of takeoff and landing at an altitude of 5,000m. This feature makes Prachand very suitable for activities in sensitive areas of the Indian border, including areas such as the Siachen iceberg and the Eastern Ladakh mountains.
In addition, Prachand can fire many types of non-terrestral and anti-aircraft missiles, allowing the effectiveness of the enemy's air defense systems. The helicopter is equipped to perform both air and ground combat operations as well as can support combat to improve combat capability, with advanced communication and data sharing systems.
The official introduction of light combat helicopters into the service of the Indian air force will take place from October 2022. Before the latest agreement, the Indian government approved the production of 15 light combat helicopters, of which 10 were for the air force and 5 for the army.
The light combat helicopter project was launched after the Kargil conflict in 1999. The conflict has shown the need for a fighter jet capable of operating at extremely high altitudes.
hindustan Aeronautics Limited has developed the helicopter to meet this requirement and the latest deal will be the company's largest ever order.
The fighters for the order will be built at factories in Bengaluru and Tumkur in Karnataka state.
This new order is considered a great motivation for the Indian defense industry under the "Make in India" initiative promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
In early March, the Indian Defense Procurement Council initially approved the purchase of weapons and equipment worth more than 540 billion rupees (US$6.26 billion) to enhance the country's military capabilities. The proposed purchases include upgraded engines for the T-90 battle tank for the Indian army, additional anti-underground fishermen for the Navy and early warning and aerial control systems for the air force.
The Indian Security cabinet has also recently approved an $823 million deal to buy more than 300 Indian-made 155mm ATAGS self-propelled guns.
