On March 28, 2025, In a significant boost to indigenous platforms, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, along with training and other associated equipment worth Rs. 62,700 crore, excluding taxes. The first contract is for the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the second is for the supply of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army.
The supply of these Helicopters shall commence from the third year and will be spread over the next five years. The contracts will enhance the combat capability of Armed Forces at high altitudes.
LCH is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, having a capability of operating at an altitude of over 5000 meters. This helicopter has a large number of components designed & manufactured in India, and it is planned to achieve an overall indigenous content of over 65% during the execution of this procurement. This will involve over 250 domestic companies, mostly MSMEs, and will generate over 8,500 direct & indirect jobs.
