New Delhi: In a monumental step towards bolstering national defense and self-sufficiency, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security has greenlit a historic deal worth over ₹62,000 crore to acquire 156 Light Combat Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). This ambitious initiative not only represents the largest order HAL has ever received but also underscores India’s commitment to manufacturing indigenous defense systems. The helicopters, to be produced in HAL facilities in Bengaluru and Tumkur, Karnataka, will play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s combat capabilities along sensitive borders.
The purchase of these helicopters, also known as Prachand, marks a significant milestone in India’s military modernization efforts. Split between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, 90 will be allocated to the Army and 66 to the IAF. These helicopters will be strategically deployed for operations along the China and Pakistan borders, where their ability to operate at altitudes of over 5,000 meters will prove invaluable. HAL received the tender for these helicopters in June of the previous year, with the IAF acting as the lead agency for this joint procurement.
The Prachand, renowned as the world’s only attack helicopter that can land and take off at such extreme altitudes, is equipped with advanced weaponry, allowing it to fire a wide array of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. This capability makes it perfectly suited for high-altitude terrains such as the Siachen glacier and eastern Ladakh. The deal aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing through the Make in India initiative. Additionally, the government has also cleared a separate deal for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) howitzers, valued at ₹7,000 crore, involving Bharat Forge and the Tata group.
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