The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is essential for India’s military due to its high-altitude performance. India’s Ministry of Defence issued a request for proposals for 156 LCH helicopters, split between 90 for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the designer and manufacturer of the LCH, received the RFP, which is worth more than 450 billion rupees (around US$5.4 billion). HAL’s shares surged after the announcement.
The LCH Prachand can operate at altitudes up to 16,400ft, making it ideal for operations along India’s mountainous borders. The helicopter is armed with Mistral air-to-air missiles, rocket pods, a cannon, and air-to-ground missiles. HAL aims to increase the indigenous content to 55% with the new helicopters. A technology transfer agreement with Safran for the engines powering the LCH will help achieve this goal. Development of the LCH began in 2010, with continuous product improvements.
The LCH will be a crucial asset in India’s arsenal, operating alongside AH-64E Apache helicopters. HAL’s order books have exceeded 940 billion rupees, with recent orders for LCA and LCH aircraft. This acquisition follows a previous RFP for Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A aircraft.
