India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand has emerged as a game-changer in high-altitude warfare, setting new benchmarks in indigenous military aviation. Designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), it is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of taking off and landing at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), making it a vital asset for operations in challenging terrains like Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
Strengthening India’s Defence Arsenal
Inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 3, 2022, Prachand is built for multi-role combat, including air defence, counterinsurgency, and armoured warfare. Its ability to fire both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles makes it a powerful force in modern warfare.
In a significant boost to India’s air power, the government has approved the procurement of 156 LCHs worth ₹62,000 crore, marking the country’s largest-ever attack helicopter acquisition. Out of these, 90 helicopters will be deployed with the Indian Army, while 66 will be added to the IAF’s fleet. The production will take place at HAL’s Bengaluru and Tumkur plants, further strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The Kargil War & The Birth of Prachand
The need for an indigenous high-altitude attack helicopter became evident during the 1999 Kargil War, when Indian forces struggled to engage enemy positions due to the limitations of Russian-origin Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopters. The temporary use of modified Mi-17s proved ineffective, further reinforcing the urgency of developing a suitable alternative.
In response, the government approved the LCH project in 2006, and by 2010, HAL had developed the first prototype. After extensive testing, including successful landings in Siachen Glacier, Prachand established itself as a formidable high-altitude combat platform.
Cutting-Edge Features of Prachand
Stealth & Design
- Derived from HAL’s Dhruv helicopter but optimized for attack missions.
- Narrow fuselage, stealth profiling, and armour protection enhance survivability.
- Tandem seating cockpit for seamless pilot and gunner coordination.
Advanced Avionics & Sensors
- Glass cockpit with integrated avionics for superior situational awareness.
- Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for precise targeting.
- Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR), Radar Warning Receiver, and Missile Approach Warning System for enhanced defence capabilities.
Powerful Weaponry
- 20mm nose-mounted cannon integrated with the HMDS.
- 70mm rocket system for engaging enemy infantry and armoured vehicles.
- Helina (Dhruvastra) anti-tank guided missiles for armoured warfare.
- Mistral 2 air-to-air missiles, though India currently faces a shortage of these missiles.
Additionally, Prachand’s modular design allows weapon customization based on mission requirements, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios.
Superior Performance at High Altitudes
Prachand is powered by twin HAL-Turbomeca Shakti 1H1 turboshaft engines, co-developed by HAL and France’s Safran. These engines provide exceptional high-altitude performance, allowing the helicopter to operate at a maximum takeoff weight of 5.8 tonnes and reach a service ceiling of 21,300 feet (6,500 meters)—one of the highest-operating attack helicopters in the world.
India’s Push for Self-Reliance in Defence
A key aspect of the Prachand project is its reliance on Indian private industry, with over 250 vendors contributing to manufacturing components and assemblies. This initiative aligns with the Make in India program, reducing dependence on foreign defence imports while strengthening India’s domestic defence sector.
How Prachand Stands Against Global Competitors
Prachand is among the few attack helicopters designed for high-altitude warfare, competing with the Chinese Z-10 and Turkish T-129 ATAK. However, both foreign helicopters face challenges with underpowered engines, raising doubts about their effectiveness in extreme altitudes. Prachand, on the other hand, has proven its capability in real-world Himalayan conditions, giving India a significant strategic advantage.
A New Era in India’s Military Aviation
With tensions along the China and Pakistan borders, the induction of 156 LCHs will significantly enhance India’s military strength in high-altitude combat. Alongside indigenous platforms like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), Prachand is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
As India’s first fully indigenous attack helicopter, Prachand is not just a combat asset but a symbol of India’s technological and military progress, ready to dominate the skies and safeguard the nation’s borders for years to come.
