India’s push for advanced military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Ladakh is taking a significant turn with the delayed induction of the US-manufactured Apache AH-64E attack helicopters. While the Apache helicopters, known for their formidable capabilities, were initially planned for deployment in the region, the Indian Army has now opted to prioritize the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’ for operations in the high-altitude Himalayan terrain. This decision marks a strategic shift in India’s military aviation plans, with the LCH set to be fully operational in Ladakh by 2025.
The delay in the delivery of the Boeing Apache helicopters, due to supply chain disruptions, has caused India to rethink its approach to air dominance in the mountainous north. Although the Apaches will still play a key role in India’s defense strategy, they are now expected to be deployed in the deserts near Pakistan, where they can best utilize their anti-armor capabilities. In contrast, the homegrown LCH, designed specifically for high-altitude operations, will take over the critical role in Ladakh, leveraging its advanced features to counter any threats along the sensitive northern border.
The Indian Army had placed an order for six Apache AH-64E attack helicopters in 2020, costing over ₹4,100 crore (approximately $500 million). These helicopters were supposed to strengthen India’s aerial capabilities, especially in desert warfare against Pakistan. However, Boeing has announced a delay of over six months, citing supply chain challenges exacerbated by the global pandemic. Initially scheduled for delivery in mid-2024, the first batch of three Apaches is now expected by December 2024, with the remaining helicopters arriving by early 2025.
The Apaches are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles that can track and prioritize up to 128 targets in under a minute. Their potent anti-armor capabilities make them the preferred choice for countering heavy armor and tank deployments, which explains why the Indian Army plans to station the first Apache unit at the Nagtalao Army Base near Jodhpur. This desert base is strategically located to address potential threats from Pakistan, ensuring that the Apaches’ lethal firepower is put to optimal use in the region.
The 451 Army Aviation Squadron, based at Nagtalao, was established in March 2023 in anticipation of the Apache’s arrival. Fully equipped and operational, the squadron is awaiting the delivery of the Apaches to bolster India’s defenses. While the delay has impacted the immediate availability of the helicopters, the strategic decision to deploy them in desert regions ensures that their capabilities are best suited to the environment.
Despite the Apache’s reputation as one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, questions have been raised about its operability in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already inducted the Apache into its fleet, with units deployed in Ladakh for tactical support. However, the harsh terrain and high altitudes in the region have proven to be a significant challenge for these helicopters. In 2024, an IAF Apache was stranded at a high altitude for several months, as efforts to bring the rotary-wing aircraft down from the extreme conditions proved difficult.
High-altitude operations require precise calculations of the helicopter’s “all-up weight,” which includes the weight of the fuel, weapons, and cargo. Even a slight miscalculation can have severe consequences, as the performance of the helicopter’s engines and its load-carrying capacity degrade drastically in thin air. The Apache, despite its powerful engines and advanced design, struggles to perform optimally at the extreme altitudes found in Ladakh.
The US military faced similar challenges while operating Apache helicopters in Afghanistan’s mountainous regions during the early 2000s. While the helicopters were able to operate at altitudes of up to 12,500 feet, pilots had to undertake meticulous performance planning before every mission, ensuring that they did not exceed the helicopter’s weight limits. These operational constraints make the Apache less suitable for the high-altitude requirements of the Indian Army in Ladakh.
The indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), aptly named ‘Prachand’ (Fierce), has emerged as the Indian Army’s preferred option for high-altitude warfare. Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH is specifically designed for operations in extreme conditions, such as those found in Ladakh and along the LAC with China. Unlike the Apache, the LCH has been extensively tested in high-altitude environments, making it ideally suited for the unique challenges posed by the Himalayan terrain.
In 2015, the LCH demonstrated its capabilities by successfully conducting test landings at altitudes of up to 15,800 feet on the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. These tests proved the helicopter’s ability to operate in thin air while carrying a modest payload of 500 kilograms. This high-altitude operability gives the LCH a clear advantage over the Apache in mountain warfare scenarios.
The LCH is powered by two Shakti turboshaft engines, developed in collaboration with France’s Safran, each producing 1,430 horsepower. While the Apache’s engines generate 1,890 horsepower each, the LCH compensates with its superior endurance and operational range. The LCH can tail a target for up to 700 kilometers, flying at altitudes of 6,500 meters (21,325 feet). In comparison, the Apache has a maximum range of only 480 kilometers and can reach a ceiling of 6,400 meters.
In terms of weaponry, the LCH is well-equipped to handle a variety of combat scenarios. It features a 20mm nose gun capable of firing 800 rounds per minute from a range of up to 2 kilometers. Additionally, a 70mm rocket pod mounted on its stub wings can fire both directly and indirectly at targets up to 8 kilometers away. This gives the LCH substantial firepower to deal with both ground-based and aerial threats.
The helicopter’s advanced avionics include an electro-optical pod that provides long-range day and night surveillance, enabling accurate target tracking. The LCH is also armed with anti-tank guided missiles such as the indigenous ‘Dhruvastra’ and the French air-to-air missile ‘Mistral-2,’ which has a maximum interception range of 6.5 kilometers.
Designed to operate in hostile environments, the LCH can take on a wide variety of roles.
Tracking slow-moving aerial targets
Destroying enemy defenses
Search and rescue operations
Anti-tank missions
Scouting and surveillance
Counter-insurgency operations
Indian Military’s Future with LCH and Apache
The Defence Acquisition Council has already cleared the procurement of 156 LCH helicopters, with 90 units allocated to the Indian Army and 66 to the IAF. These numbers are in addition to the 15 limited-series LCH helicopters currently being inducted — 10 for the IAF and five for the Army. The total cost for the LCH procurement is estimated at ₹45,000 crore (approximately $5.5 billion), underscoring India’s commitment to building an indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem.
While the Apache remains a critical asset for India’s military strategy in the desert regions, the LCH will play a pivotal role in the mountainous northern borders. The Indian Army has plans to deploy 70 LCH helicopters in the mountains to maintain an edge over potential adversaries, particularly China. This deployment will be phased over the next 10-15 years, with additional contracts for 95 LCH helicopters for the Army and 65 for the IAF currently under negotiation.
