MoD Signs Contract for 156 Light Combat Helicopters ‘Prachand’
In a significant development for the Indian defence sector, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹62,700 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) ‘Prachand’. The contract, signed on March 28, 2025, marks the largest ever contract awarded by the MoD, and is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s defence capabilities.
The contract includes the supply of 66 LCH Prachand helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 90 to the Indian Army. The deliveries of the helicopters are scheduled to start in the third year, with the entire project being completed within a span of five years.
The LCH Prachand is a multi-role helicopter designed and developed by HAL to operate in high-altitude areas, including Siachen, Ladakh, and other Himalayan regions. The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics, navigation, and communication systems, making it an ideal platform for conducting combat operations in challenging terrain.
The signing of this contract is a significant milestone for the Indian defence sector, as it marks the country’s capability to design, develop, and manufacture advanced combat helicopters indigenously. The LCH Prachand is the first fully indigenous combat helicopter developed by HAL, and its induction will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the IAF and the Army.
The contract is also expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy, as it will involve over 250 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the supply chain. The project is expected to create over 8,500 jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the defence and aerospace sectors.
The LCH Prachand is designed to operate in high-altitude areas, with a service ceiling of over 15,000 meters. The helicopter is powered by a 1,300 hp engine and has a range of over 300 kilometers. It is also equipped with advanced sensors and avionics, including a Radar Warning Receiver, Electronic Warfare Suite, and a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system.
The IAF has been operating the HAL Rudra and HAL Dhruv helicopters for several years, which have been used for various roles, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat. The LCH Prachand is expected to replace these helicopters and provide the IAF with a more advanced and capable platform for conducting combat operations.
The Indian Army has been operating the HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters for several years, which have been used for various roles, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and transport. The LCH Prachand is expected to replace these helicopters and provide the Army with a more advanced and capable platform for conducting combat operations in high-altitude areas.
In conclusion, the signing of the contract for the LCH Prachand is a significant development for the Indian defence sector, as it marks the country’s capability to design, develop, and manufacture advanced combat helicopters indigenously. The contract is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy, as it will involve over 250 MSMEs and create over 8,500 jobs. The LCH Prachand is a highly capable and advanced helicopter that will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the IAF and the Army.
Source:
https://www.defencexp.com/mod-signed-biggest-ever-contract-for-156-lch-prachand/
