Jodhpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today presided over the formal induction of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), into the Indian Air Force (IAF) here today.
Naming LCH as “Prachanda”, Singh said that its induction not only enhances the combat capabilities of IAF but is also a big step towards self-reliance in defence production.
He said that since the Kargil War in 1999, the need for LCH was felt more and today’s LCH was a result of two decades of Research and Development and indigenous efforts in that direction. He noted that the LCH meets the requirements of modern warfare and necessary quality parameters under varied conditions of operations.
The LCH is capable of self-protection, carrying a wide variety of ammunition, and delivering it to the field quickly. This versatile helicopter perfectly meets the needs of our armed forces in various terrains and as such LCH is an ideal platform for both our Army and Air Force, he noted.
Singh said that the recent conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere had shown that heavy weapon systems and platforms, which do not allow for rapid movement on the battlefield, are sometimes vulnerable and become easy targets for the enemy. “Therefore, the need of the hour is to move towards the development of those equipment and platforms, which are mobile, have ease of movement, are more flexible, and at the same time meet the requirements of the armed forces,” he said, adding that in this context, LCH has been developed with an unprecedented balance of all these features and HAL should be congratulated for this.
Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhary, Chief of Air Staff said on the occasion that induction of LCH adds unique capability to the IAF’s combat potential. He said the versatility and offensive potential of the LCH are at par or better than most attack helicopters operating globally. “Selection of the personnel in the 143-helicopter unit which will man the LCH have been made based on professional competence so as to ensure the operationalisation of the unit at the earliest,” he added.
The LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. It has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. Inducted in IAF’s newly raised No. 143 Helicopter Unit, it is a testimony to India’s growing prowess in indigenous design, development & manufacturing and a significant milestone in the path towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ in Defence. The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability. Onboard advanced navigation systems, guns tailored for close combat and potent air-to-air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield. Capable of operating from high-altitude terrain and carrying out precision strikes at high-altitude targets, the helicopter is a formidable addition to IAF’s arsenal.
The Defence Minister also took a sortie onboard the LCH shortly after its induction into IAF.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhary, Air Marshal Vikram Singh Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan, senior officials of Ministry of Defence, IAF and local dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Photo: Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh taking sortie on newly inducted indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) to Indian Air Force, in jodhpur on October 03, 2022
– global bihari bureau
