Hindustan Aeronautics Limited completes production of 15 LCH Prachand attack helicopters.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone in the induction of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand into the Indian Armed Forces. According to Ujjwal Shrotryia's report in Swarajya, HAL has successfully completed the production of 15 LCH units ahead of the contracted schedule. This development marks a crucial step in the LCH's deployment.

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Indian Air Force LCH Prachand flying near Leh during 2020–2022 China–India skirmishes (Picture source: Indian Government)

In March 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the production of 15 LCHs, with 10 allocated to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 5 designated for the Indian Army.

Designed as an attack helicopter, the LCH is equipped with an arsenal that includes 70mm unguided rockets, laser-guided rockets, anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, and a 20mm automatic gun. Its primary role is close air support (CAS) in high-altitude terrain, making it highly effective in tasks like destroying enemy air defenses, conducting high-altitude bunker-busting operations, and intercepting slow-moving drones. The LCH Prachand is the only helicopter in the world capable of operating at altitudes above 5,000 to 6,000 meters while carrying a substantial offensive payload. It has demonstrated its prowess by successfully landing and taking off at Siachen, an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level, while carrying a 500 kg payload.

The Kargil War in 1999 exposed the need for a capable armed rotorcraft that could operate unrestricted in high-altitude environments. This realization prompted HAL and the Indian armed forces to initiate efforts to conceptualize a combat helicopter for this role. The development program for the LCH began in 2006, originally expected to achieve initial operating capability (IOC) by December 2010. However, the project faced delays and challenges, partly attributed to suppliers.

The LCH Prachand draws heavily from HAL's earlier indigenous helicopter, the ALH Dhruv, which significantly reduced the program's cost. The first LCH prototype made its maiden flight on 29 March 2010, and a comprehensive test program involving four prototypes was carried out. During testing, the LCH became the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, repeatedly landing at high-altitude helipads as high as 13,600 to 15,800 feet (4,100 to 4,800 meters). By mid-2016, the LCH had completed its performance trials, leading to the certification of its basic configuration.

On 26 August 2017, a limited series production of the Prachand was officially inaugurated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the LCH to IAF Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari on 19 November 2021, clearing the path for full-scale induction. On 3 October 2022, the LCH was formally inducted into the IAF and officially named "Prachand." By November, the Indian army had begun deploying its LCH helicopters near the Chinese border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Presently, the indigenously designed and developed LCH boasts a 45 percent indigenous content by value, with strategic initiatives underway to increase this proportion to over 55 percent, further strengthening its homegrown identity and capabilities.

Light combat helicopter Prachand (Picture source: Twitter account of ReviewVayu)