India Finalizes ₹62,700 Crore Deal for 156 Indigenous Combat Helicopters

The historic agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited strengthens India's defense self-reliance and high-altitude combat capabilities.

The Indian Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹62,700 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand on March 28, 2025.
The helicopters will be divided between the Indian Army (90 units) and the Indian Air Force (66 units) to enhance operations along high-altitude borders with China and Pakistan.
Production is scheduled to begin in three years, with deliveries spread over five years, concluding by 2033.
The LCH Prachand, capable of operating at altitudes over 5,000 meters, is the world's only attack helicopter that can land and take off at such heights, making it well-suited for deployment in regions like the Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh.
This procurement aligns with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, achieving over 65% indigenous content, involving 250 domestic companies, and creating over 8,500 jobs.