The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is India’s first indigenously designed attack helicopter, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for high-altitude warfare. It is the only attack helicopter capable of operating at 5,000 metres (16,400 feet), making it ideal for regions like the Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh. Inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 3, 2022, it is designed for counterinsurgency, air defence suppression, and armoured warfare, equipped with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
India’s Largest LCH Procurement and the Lessons from Kargil
India approved its largest attack helicopter procurement—Rs 62,000 crore for 156 LCHs—with 90 for the Army and 66 for the IAF. Production at HAL’s Bengaluru and Tumkur plants will boost employment and strengthen India’s aerospace sector.
During the 1999 Kargil War, India lacked high-altitude attack helicopters, as Mi-25 and Mi-35 were ineffective. Modified Mi-17s were used but proved inadequate, prompting the government to approve the LCH project in 2006. The first prototype emerged in 2010, undergoing rigorous tests, including landings in Siachen.
Prachand: Cutting-Edge Features and Superior High-Altitude Performance
Derived from HAL’s Dhruv, Prachand has a stealthy narrow fuselage, tandem seating, and armour protection. Its avionics include a glass cockpit, Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR), and missile warning systems. Armed with a 20mm cannon, 70mm rockets, Helina anti-tank missiles, and Mistral 2 air-to-air missiles, it ensures formidable combat capability.
Powered by HAL-Turbomeca Shakti 1H1 engines, it boasts a service ceiling of 6,500 metres (21,300 feet). Among high-altitude attack helicopters, it rivals China’s Z-10 and Turkey’s T-129 ATAK, but Prachand’s superior performance in the Himalayas sets it apart.
Prachand: A Key Step Toward India’s Defence Self-Reliance
Prachand strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence, aligning with Make in India. Alongside orders for LCA Tejas and ATAGS artillery, its induction enhances India’s military preparedness, securing its skies and borders against emerging threats.
Summary:
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is India’s first indigenous high-altitude attack helicopter, built by HAL for operations in Ladakh and Siachen. India’s Rs 62,000 crore procurement of 156 LCHs boosts defence self-reliance. Equipped with advanced avionics, missiles, and stealth features, Prachand enhances India’s military preparedness against emerging threats.
