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Induction of Light Combat Helicopter into IAF and India’s atma nirbhar Abhiyaan

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.

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