Prachand , with its massive firepower and adaptability, will not only improve the IAF’s combat capabilities but also represent a significant step toward the self-sufficiency in defence.
The introduction on Monday of the first batch of Indian-made Light Combat Helicopters called Prachand, which are capable of launching a variety of missiles and other weapons, provided a significant boost to the Indian Air Force’s ability to engage in combat. This gave the Indian Air Force a significant advantage over its opponents.
During his remarks at the ceremony, Rajnath Singh referred to the event as a “monumental occasion” and emphasised that it demonstrated India’s ability to produce defense-related goods.
Prachand Specifications
The Light Combat Helicopter, or LCH, was developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a government-owned aerospace company, with the purpose of facilitating operations in hilly regions. At the event in Jodhpur that officially welcomed it into the Indian Air Force, Defense Minister
Rajnath Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were also present.
It is an important step forward in the process of modernising military aviation that the helicopter, which the Minister of Defense has confirmed would be called “Prachand,” has been granted the name.
Ten of these will be given to the Indian Air Force, and the remaining five will be split between the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCH) is India’s first indigenously designed and built combat helicopter.
Both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will continue to heavily rely on the use of light combat helicopters for attack helicopter formations for the foreseeable future. According to the authorities, the 5.8-ton, twin-engine helicopter has successfully completed a variety of tests involving the discharge of various weapons.
Despite the fact that the American Apache helicopter is considerably larger and, to some extent, more competent, this one serves a distinct role, particularly for operations that take place at very high altitudes. The helicopter was created entirely by Indian engineers. This integration not only satisfies a requirement, but it also has deep roots in Indian culture.
Over the mountains of Ladakh, the helicopter was given a rigorous workout. It is equipped with missiles that can take out Chinese drones flying in the air. Anti-tank weaponry that can be fired from the air to the ground are also within its arsenal’s reach.
Construction and launch of Prachand
In March of this year, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is responsible for security matters, gave its approval for the purchase of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) at a cost of Rs 3,887 crore, in addition to infrastructure sanctions worth Rs 377 crore.
The Indian armed forces will receive delivery of 95 of these helicopters in the next months. Few have enlisted so far. In addition, about sixty-five will be delivered to the Indian Air Force. The initial budget for this gigantic operation, which was being undertaken by the Indian Air Force, was approximately 3,500 crore.
After final permission has been received, there will be a gradual change to the prices. This approval is going to be handed out in phases, and each one will coincide with the release of a new version of the helicopter.
There are several ways in which the LCH is comparable to the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. The officials asserted that it had increased survivability as a result of its stealth technology, armoured protection systems, capability to launch night attacks, and crash-worthy landing gear.
Because it possesses the necessary agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, high altitude performance, and all-weather fighting capacity, it is able to carry out a variety of missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR), destruction of enemy air defence (DEAD), and counter-insurgency (CI).
These are just some of the missions it can carry out.
In addition to its employment in providing support for ground forces, the helicopter can also be put to use in high-altitude bunker-busting operations, counter-insurgency operations in jungles and urban settings, and urban circumstances that call for aerial support.
In addition to this, the helicopter can be used to take out hostile RPAs and aircraft that travel at a pace that is too sluggish for it to keep up with. Both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army have voiced their conviction that this platform will be able to fulfil the requirements of their respective operational responsibilities.
They claimed that the LCH had been outfitted with cutting-edge technology and systems that are compatible with stealth features such as reduced visual, aural, radar, and infrared signatures, as well as crashworthiness features for improved survivability.
They also claimed that the LCH had been outfitted with crashworthiness features.
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