The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, designed and built in India, is set to receive significant upgrades to increase its combat effectiveness and incorporate cutting-edge technology. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be adding new systems and implementing improvements that will greatly improve its striking power and overall survivability. This enhancement will significantly strengthen the Indian Army and Air Force, contributing to the goals of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which promotes self-sufficiency in the defense sector.
The project, valued at approximately ₹62,700 crore, will see HAL starting deliveries in the 2027-28 timeframe. A total of 156 Prachand helicopters are planned to be produced, with 90 going to the Army and 66 to the Air Force.
The new production LCH will feature these seven key systems:
* Domestically developed air-to-ground missiles.
* Laser-guided rockets.
* Advanced electronic warfare systems.
* Nuclear detection capabilities.
* Data link for secure data transmission.
* Obstacle avoidance system.
* Directed Infrared Countermeasures.
Additional upgrades, such as the integration of electro-optical pods and helmet-mounted pointing systems, will further boost pilot performance and targeting accuracy.
Currently, 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) Prachand helicopters are already in operation with the Army and Air Force. These helicopters are equipped with air-to-air missiles, rockets, and a turret gun.
The LCH is engineered to perform effectively at high altitudes, exceeding 5,000 meters. Its diverse mission capabilities include the destruction of enemy air defense systems, interception of drones and slower aircraft, bunker busting, counter-terrorism operations, and providing support to ground troops.
This project will engage more than 250 Indian companies and create over 8,500 jobs. The helicopters will be manufactured at HAL’s Tumakuru factory in Karnataka, which is the largest helicopter production facility in India, with an annual capacity of 30 helicopters, scalable to 100 units if required.
The LCH is one of the defense platforms for which the government has imposed import restrictions. The government has banned the import of 509 defense equipment items. In recent years, the government has implemented various measures to encourage domestic defense manufacturing, including phased import restrictions, a dedicated budget for domestic defense procurement, increasing the FDI limit to 74%, and simplifying business operations. The Prachand helicopter is expected to become a crucial asset for the Indian Army and Air Force in the coming years, symbolizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in the defense sector.