HAL Prachand

Why is in news? Indigenously Designed and Developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) inducted into Indian Air Force

In a big boost to Aatmanirbhar bharath in Defence, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh presided over the formal induction of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), int0 the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Jodhpur.

Naming LCH as “Prachanda”, Raksha Mantri said that its induction comes during the Amrit kal when the Nation is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahostav and a pointer to the future when IAF will be the top most force in the world, as also making the country fully AtmaNirbhar in Defence production requirements.

The HAL Prachand is an Indian multi-role, light attack helicopter designed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under project LCH.

It has been ordered by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army.

Its flight ceiling is the highest among all attack helicopters in the world.

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL.

It has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. Inducted in IAF’s newly raised No. 143 Helicopter Unit, it is a testimony to India’s growing prowess in indigenous design, development & manufacturing and a significant milestone in the path towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ in Defence.

The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability.

Onboard advanced navigation system, guns tailored for close combat and potent air to air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield.

Capable of operating from high altitude terrain and carrying out precision strike at high altitude targets, the helicopter is a formidable addition to IAF’s arsenal.