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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.

India's new light combat Prachand helicopters will be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian aerospace and defence company
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HAL has so far manufactured 15 limited series production Prachand helicopters for IAF (10) and army (5), and now the series production will begin. (HT Photo)
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Overview

  • 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.