The Indian Air Force is planning an order for 156 more light combat helicopters "Prachand", made by local manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This is an initiative that has a dual objective: to modernize the armed forces' aircraft fleet and enhance the national aircraft industry, driven by the "Make in India" policy promoted by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This is a contract through which the New Delhi government wants to strengthen defense capabilities along the eastern borders it shares with China and Pakistan. At the moment, the Indian Air Force has presented the proposal to the Indian government, which will evaluate the possible acquisition.

The "Prachand" helicopter is an attack aircraft designed in India under the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) program. The rotary-wing vehicle is intended to enter fleet service in the Army and Air Force. It made its first flight on 29 March 2010 and entered service on 30 September 2022. It is equipped with two French-Indian-made 1H1 Hal/Turbomeca Shakti engines (1,384 hp each). It has a cruising speed of 260 km/h and a range of 700 km. Among the armaments: 20 mm cannons, rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, precision bombs.

On the topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.