Induction of Light Combat Helicopter into IAF and India’s atma nirbhar Abhiyaan
- The induction of the Light Combat Helicopter into the IAF is a timely boost to the country's atmanirbharta goals in defence hardware.
Light Combat Helicopter
- Lightest fighter helicopter in the world
- 45% indigenous
- Named Prachand, or fearless
- 5.8 ton weight
- Only helicopter that can land and takeoff off at heights of 15,000ft, loaded with weapons and fuel.
- Can operate at altitudes of upto 20,000 ft, higher than any other attack helicopter available to the Indian military.
- Ideal for deployment at the Line of Actual Control.
Need
- 1999 Kargil war - need felt for a lightweight assault helicopter that could operate in hot deserts and cold high altitudes, in counter-insurgency scenarios and full-scale battle conditions.
- 2006 - After initial deliberations, the government sanctioned the LCH project.
India’s indigenisation efforts and challenges
- This year, the Ministry of Defence identified 18 major platforms for "make in India".
- 2022-23 defence budget allocated 25% of the defence research and development for Indian industry-led efforts.
- HAL'S indigenous multi-role helicopter, being developed to take the place of Mi 17s that have started to be phased out, is the next big challenge.