India Gears Up for Defense Boost with Light Combat Helicopter Deal

The Union Cabinet is expected to approve a significant deal for acquiring 145 Light Combat Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Army and Air Force, part of a push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and bolstering operations along critical borders.

The Union Cabinet is on the brink of approving a crucial deal to procure 145 Light Combat Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Army and Air Force. This initiative, strenuously advocated by the Defence Ministry, aims to enhance border operations against China and Pakistan while simultaneously generating jobs and extending India's aerospace capabilities, as per defense sources that spoke with ANI.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which received the tender for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) in June last year, is poised for final clearance post-negotiations. Of these, 90 helicopters are earmarked for the Indian Army, with the remaining 66 intended for the Air Force, positioning the IAF as the principal body for this joint procurement.

The Prachand, hailed as the world's sole attack helicopter capable of landing at altitudes as high as 5,000 meters, is particularly suited for deployment in high-altitude regions like the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh. Equipped with the ability to fire a variety of missiles, the Prachand can effectively neutralize enemy air defense systems.

This procurement reflects a broader governmental commitment to self-reliance in defense production under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Recent Cabinet decisions have included massive orders for indigenous defense equipment, such as 83 Light Combat Aircraft, with negotiations for an additional 97 units concluded. The Cabinet Committee on Security also recently greenlighted a Rs 7,000 crore agreement for 307 ATAGS howitzers, set to be signed shortly with Bharat Forge and Tata group. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)