Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand

Category: Defence & Indigenous Technology | GS Paper III

SEO Title: LCH Prachand: Features, Weapons, HAL Development and Indigenous Defence Production

UPSC Notes

Prachand is India's indigenously developed light combat helicopter designed for attack missions, including operations in high-altitude environments.

  • Developer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

  • Induction: Formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on 3 October 2022 at Jodhpur.

  • Powerplant: Two Shakti engines developed through HAL–Safran collaboration.

  • Operational capability: Designed to operate in high-altitude terrain, including the Siachen region, and in hot desert conditions.

  • Features: Composite airframe, crashworthy landing gear, glass cockpit and night-attack capability.

  • Weapons: 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets, and air-to-air and anti-tank missiles.

  • Procurement: The source records approval in March 2025 for 156 helicopters for the Army and Air Force, worth approximately ₹62,700 crore.

  • Strategic significance: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence manufacturing.

Key Pointers for Prelims

  • Prachand is an attack helicopter, not a transport helicopter.

  • HAL is its manufacturer.

  • High-altitude combat capability is a key feature.

  • Link the programme with defence indigenisation.