In a major push for indigenous defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth Rs 62,700 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand along with training and associated equipment.
Under the deal, 66 LCHs will be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the Indian Army will receive 90 LCHs under a separate contract. The signing took place shortly after receiving final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) earlier on Friday.
First Wet-Leased Flight Refuelling Aircraft for IAF
On the same day, the MoD also signed a contract with Metrea Management for the wet leasing of a Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to enhance air-to-air refuelling training for pilots of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The leased KC-135 aircraft will be inducted within six months, marking the first-ever FRA to be wet-leased by the IAF.
Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing & Combat Capabilities
HAL had received initial orders for the LCH Prachand in June 2024, and these helicopters are being manufactured at HAL’s Tumakuru plant in Karnataka. The Prachand is the only attack helicopter capable of operating at altitudes between 5,000 to 16,400 feet, making it ideal for high-altitude operations in Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
Equipped with air-to-ground and air-to-air missile capabilities, the LCH is also integrated with advanced data chips, enabling network-centric operations and force multiplication. The Indian Air Force formally inducted the Prachand in October 2022, solidifying its role as a critical asset in India’s aerial combat fleet.
Biggest ‘Make in India’ Defence Acquisition
According to defence officials, with the signing of these three contracts, the total number of contracts signed by the Ministry of Defence for the 2024-25 period has reached 193, with an overall contract value exceeding Rs 2,09,050 crore. It represents the highest total ever recorded and is nearly double the previous maximum figure. Of these contracts, 177 (92%) are awarded to the domestic industry, with a contract value of Rs 1,68,922 crore (81%).
This landmark deal underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production while significantly strengthening the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force and Army.
Ravi Shankar
