New Delhi: In a big boost to its combat prowess, the Indian Air Force on Monday inducted the first batch of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters, named Prachand, that are capable of firing a range of missiles and other weapons.
According to the officials, The light combat helicopter over the next several years will be the bedrock of attack helicopter formations in the Indian Army and in the Indian Air Force. The 5.8-tonne twin-engine helicopter has already completed various weapons firing tests.
India already has the American Apache chopper as well, which is larger than this and perhaps more capable, this fulfills a specific role, particularly in very high altitude operations where it can carry a significant payload. The design of the chopper is entirely Indian. The integration is Indian, and it fulfills an Indian requirement.
The chopper has been tested over Ladakh. It can take out Chinese drones with air-to-air missiles. It can also take out tanks on the ground using air-to-surface anti-tank munitions.
95 of these choppers will go to the Indian Army. A handful has already entered the service. Approximately 65 will go to the Indian Air Force as well. A very expensive project, the initial allotment for the Indian Air Force was upwards of ₹ 3,500 crores.
The LCH has similarities with Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. It has a number of stealth features, armored-protection systems, night attack capability, and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability, the officials said. It is equipped with requisite agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, high altitude performance, and all-weather combat capability to perform a range of roles including combat search and rescue (CSAR), destruction of enemy air defense (DEAD), and counter-insurgency (CI) operations.
(Vinayak)