In a major step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has signed two significant contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand. Valued at ₹62,700 crore ($7.3 billion) excluding taxes, this procurement is set to enhance the operational strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army, particularly in high-altitude warfare scenarios.
The agreement, formalized on March 28, 2025, marks a crucial milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to develop and deploy domestically manufactured advanced military hardware. According to the MoD, the deal comprises 66 LCHs for the Indian Air Force and 90 for the Indian Army, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the third year of the contract and continue progressively over the subsequent five years.
The LCH Prachand, developed by HAL, is the first attack helicopter of Indian origin designed to operate effectively in high-altitude combat conditions, exceeding 5,000 meters. This capability is especially critical for missions along India’s mountainous borders, where agile and powerful aerial support is necessary to counter potential threats.
One of the key aspects of this acquisition is its alignment with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The government has emphasized that the project will involve more than 250 Indian companies, most of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This extensive domestic supply chain is expected to foster technological advancements and generate over 8,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities, providing a significant boost to the defense manufacturing sector.
Moreover, the LCH procurement is designed to achieve over 65% indigenous content throughout its lifecycle, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering self-sufficiency in critical defense technologies. The program is set to accelerate the growth of India’s aerospace and defense ecosystem, promoting research, innovation, and investment in cutting-edge military technology.
The LCH Prachand is a highly versatile combat helicopter with the ability to perform multiple roles in modern warfare. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and weapon systems, it is designed to undertake:
- Anti-tank warfare: Armed with air-to-ground guided missiles, the LCH can effectively engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles and fortified positions.
- Close air support (CAS): The helicopter provides crucial firepower assistance to ground forces engaged in combat operations.
- High-altitude missions: Designed to function seamlessly in extreme altitudes, the LCH is well-suited for deployment in border regions, such as Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Surveillance and reconnaissance: Fitted with advanced sensors and targeting systems, it enhances the Armed Forces’ ability to gather intelligence and maintain situational awareness in complex battlefields.
The LCH is capable of carrying a range of weapons, including 20mm turret guns, 70mm rockets, and air-to-air missiles, making it a formidable force multiplier. Its stealth features, armor protection, and night operation capabilities further augment its effectiveness in challenging operational environments.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been at the forefront of India’s defense aviation sector, spearheading the development of indigenous aircraft and helicopters. The LCH project, initiated over a decade ago, has undergone rigorous testing and improvements to meet the demanding requirements of the Indian military.
With the successful production and deployment of earlier models, such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), HAL has demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class defense platforms. The latest contract for 156 LCH units further solidifies HAL’s position as a key player in India’s defense industry and contributes to the country’s long-term strategic vision.
The LCH contract is part of a broader push by the Indian government to modernize its Armed Forces while fostering domestic defense manufacturing. The MoD has revealed that the signing of these contracts brings the total number of defense agreements finalized in FY 2024–25 to 193. This reflects the government’s unwavering focus on strengthening military preparedness and enhancing operational capabilities across all branches of the Armed Forces.
The move also aligns with India’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports, a longstanding goal aimed at achieving strategic independence in defense procurement. The MoD has reiterated that upcoming defense acquisitions will continue to prioritize indigenization and technological self-sufficiency.
In a related development, the MoD has also entered into an agreement with Metria Management to lease a flight refueling aircraft (FRA) for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The leased aircraft, a former Singaporean KC-135 tanker, will be delivered within six months, marking a significant milestone in India’s aerial refueling capabilities.
The FRA will primarily be used for training purposes, allowing Indian pilots to hone their aerial refueling skills and extend the range and endurance of their aircraft. The ability to refuel in midair is critical for sustained combat operations, especially in expansive operational theaters. This lease agreement is the first of its kind for the IAF and signals a shift toward exploring alternative procurement models to enhance defense capabilities cost-effectively.
The latest contracts for the LCH Prachand and FRA leasing underscore India’s commitment to bolstering its defense forces while fostering indigenous production capabilities. The acquisition of 156 attack helicopters will significantly enhance India’s ability to counter diverse security challenges, while the FRA lease will improve the operational readiness of the IAF and Indian Navy.
As India continues to modernize its defense infrastructure, these developments represent a critical step toward achieving self-reliance and strategic autonomy. The infusion of advanced technology, domestic manufacturing capabilities, and employment opportunities associated with these projects will contribute to the nation’s long-term defense preparedness and economic growth.
With deliveries scheduled to begin within the next three years, the focus will now shift to ensuring the timely execution of these contracts. The successful deployment of the LCH Prachand will not only reinforce India’s military prowess but also serve as a testament to the country’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities. In the years to come, such initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s position as a self-sufficient global defense power.
