In a major boost for India's defense capabilities and self-reliance initiatives, the Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to HAL for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), also known as "Prachand".[1][2][3] This landmark contract is expected to be worth over ₹45,000 crore.[1][2][3]
Out of the 156 LCHs, 90 will be acquired for the Indian Army (IA) and the remaining 66 will be for the Indian Air Force (IAF).[1][2][3] The LCH is the world's only attack helicopter capable of operating at high-altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), making it ideal for deployment in the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh regions.[1][2][3]
The LCH is equipped with advanced features such as stealth capabilities, armored protection, night attack ability, and crash-worthy landing gear for enhanced survivability.[3] It can engage in a range of missions, including combat search and rescue, destruction of enemy air defenses, and counter-insurgency operations.[3] The helicopter can also be used against slow-moving aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft of adversaries.[3]
This procurement is a significant step towards the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative, as the LCH is a fully indigenous design and development by HAL.[1][2][3] The contract is expected to be finalized within the next 3-4 months after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval.[1][2][3]
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