India’s Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The procurement, valued at approximately $5.4 billion, aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in high-altitude regions.
The order is divided between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, with 90 and 66 helicopters respectively. The LCH Prachand, designed and manufactured by HAL, is a 5.8-ton helicopter capable of operating at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters, making it suitable for operations along India’s mountainous borders with China and Pakistan.
The LCH can be armed with an array of weaponry, including Mistral air-to-air missiles, FZ231 70mm rocket pods, a nose-mounted M621 20mm cannon, and the future integration of Dhruvastra air-to-ground missiles. These features provide critical fire support for infantry units in high-altitude contested regions.
This procurement marks a significant move to reduce India’s dependence on foreign attack helicopters, such as the AH-64 Apache, and supports the country’s goal of increasing indigenous production. Currently, the LCH has a local content level of 45%, but HAL aims to reach 55% with the new batch of helicopters.
GlobalData, a data and analytics company, projects that India’s investment in attack helicopters will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over the next decade.
The announcement of the RFP led to a 6.5% surge in HAL’s shares, reaching a record high. Defense News reports that HAL has not yet provided further details about the tender, but experts see this move as a significant milestone in India’s efforts to develop customized helicopters for its armed forces.
K.P. Sanjeev Kumar, a former Indian naval aviation test pilot, emphasized the LCH’s unique capability to operate from sea level to high altitudes, making it a versatile asset for the Indian military. The helicopter’s design improvements and increased local content are expected to ensure a steady supply of critical parts, mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
The LCH procurement also aligns with India’s defense export goals. The helicopter has attracted interest from countries like Egypt, Nigeria, Argentina, and the Philippines, which seek advanced combat helicopters for ground support and counter-insurgency operations. HAL is exploring opportunities to expand its market presence in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The issuance of this RFP follows another recent tender for 97 Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A issued to HAL in April. HAL’s order books exceed 940 billion rupees, highlighting the company’s capability to meet delivery commitments and support India’s defense industry.
The Prachand LCH will operate alongside the 28 AH-64E Apache helicopters procured from Boeing in the U.S., enhancing India’s helicopter fleet’s overall effectiveness.
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