In a significant stride towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Indian Air Force is set to initiate procurement for an additional 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters from HAL. These helicopters will bolster the forces at the China and Pakistan borders, serving both the IAF and the Indian Army.
Over the past 15 months, both services have incorporated 15 of these choppers into their fleets, rigorously testing them under the most challenging weather and terrain conditions worldwide. “The Indian Air Force, as the lead service, has submitted a proposal to the government for the acquisition of 156 more Prachand choppers in a joint procurement initiative, which is anticipated to receive approval soon,” revealed senior defense officials to ANI.
Recently, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, while abroad, conveyed the force’s intention to acquire roughly 100 more Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A to advance indigenization efforts. The cumulative value of both projects surpasses Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
Out of the 156 helicopters, 66 will be inducted by the Indian Air Force, while the remaining 90 will be acquired by the Indian Army. Meeting the Indian Air Force’s stringent criteria for an entirely Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured weapon system, the Prachand has undergone extensive test flights by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
This attack helicopter is custom-engineered to operate effectively in both desert terrains and high-altitude sectors. Remarkably, the Prachand is the world’s only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making it exceptionally suited for operations in the high-altitude regions of the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
Furthermore, it is equipped to launch a diverse range of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, effectively neutralizing enemy air defense operations. Additionally, the Prachand will be outfitted with the advanced Dhruvastra air-to-ground missiles, capable of destroying fortified enemy shelters in high-altitude and varied terrains.
The Indian Air Force is procuring a substantial quantity of these helicopters not only to cater to immediate military requirements but also to have them readily available for export and potential sales to friendly foreign nations. The total count of these helicopters in service is projected to surpass 300, ensuring comprehensive military needs are met, while simultaneously finding traction in export markets in the near future.
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