Prachand Helicopter Acquisition to Enhance India’s Defense Capabilities along China and Pakistan Borders
29-09-2023 : In a significant move aimed at bolstering the ‘Make in India’ initiative within the defense sector, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procure an additional 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). These helicopters will be strategically deployed along the India-China and India-Pakistan borders, enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.
Over the past 15 months, both the IAF and the Indian Army have successfully inducted 15 Prachand helicopters into their fleets. These choppers underwent rigorous trials in some of the world’s harshest weather conditions and terrains. Building upon this success, the Indian Air Force, as the lead service, has submitted a proposal to the government for the acquisition of 156 more Prachand helicopters in a joint acquisition case. Approval for this acquisition is expected imminently, according to senior defense officials.
This ambitious procurement program aligns with India’s pursuit of indigenization and self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The total worth of both the Prachand helicopter project and the Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A project, recently announced by the IAF, exceeds Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
Out of the 156 Prachand helicopters, 66 will be inducted into the Indian Air Force, while the remaining 90 will serve in the Indian Army. The Prachand helicopter, designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in India, meets the rigorous demands of the Indian armed forces, capable of operating in desert terrains and high-altitude regions.
What sets the Prachand apart is its unique ability to land and take off at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). This makes it exceptionally well-suited for operations in high-altitude areas such as the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh. Moreover, it boasts the capability to launch a variety of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, effectively neutralizing enemy air defense operations.
The Prachand will also be equipped with the advanced Dhruvastra air-to-ground missiles, designed to destroy hardened enemy shelters in high-altitude and challenging terrains.
Furthermore, the IAF’s procurement of a substantial number of Prachand helicopters not only caters to India’s military requirements but also positions these machines for potential exports to friendly foreign nations. With the inclusion of these 156 helicopters, the total count in the armed forces is expected to exceed 300, further solidifying India’s defense capabilities. Additionally, the Prachand is anticipated to find demand in international markets, strengthening India’s position as a defense exporter.
