Induction of first made-in-India light combat helicopters

The induction of the first batch of originally developed light combat helicopters or LCHs into the Indian Air Force is being witnessed by India. The Air Force organised the event in Jodhpur, Rajasthan in the presence of defence minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited developed the light combat helicopters under government’s ‘make in India’ initiative, expanding it to the defence sector. The LCHs have a list of top-notch features including all-weather combat capability, high altitude performance, agility, maneuverability, and extended range. The choppers have night-attack capability and crash-worthy landing gear for better survival. 

Rajnath Singh reached Jodhpur on Monday for the key event “I would be in Jodhpur, Rajasthan tomorrow, 3rd October, to attend the Induction ceremony of the first indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The induction of these helicopters will be a big boost to the IAF’s combat prowess. Looking forward to it,” he had tweeted on Sunday.

A light combat helicopter weights 5.8 tonnes. They have been named “Prachand”.

“The induction of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) will enhance our capability and will boost defence production. There could not have been better timing for LCH induction than Navratri and in the lands of warriors, Rajasthan,” Rajnath said while inducting the choppers.