The Air Force will formally induct the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) into its fleet on Monday. This will further increase the strength of the Air Force. This versatile helicopter is capable of firing multiple missiles and using other weapons.
The LCH has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector undertaking. It is primarily designed to be deployed in high altitude areas.
Officials said that in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary, the LCH will be included in the program to be held at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur. He said that this helicopter weighing 5.8 tonnes and having two engines has already been tested for the use of many weapons.
In March this year, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the purchase of 15 indigenously developed LCHs for Rs 3,887 crore. The Defense Ministry said that 10 of these helicopters will be for the Air Force and five for the Army. Officials said that the LCH ‘Advance Light Helicopter’ bears resemblance to Dhruv.
In March this year, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the purchase of 15 indigenously developed LCHs for Rs 3,887 crore.
The Defense Ministry said that 10 of these helicopters will be for the Air Force and five for the Army. Officials said that the LCH ‘Advance Light Helicopter’ bears resemblance to Dhruv.
It has among many ‘stealth’ (radar evasion) features, armored protection system, night attack and emergency landing capability. Being lightweight, it can operate comfortably in high altitude areas with missiles and other weapons to its full potential.
According to the Defense Ministry, these helicopters have 45% indigenous equipment, which will be increased to 55% in later versions. The helicopter is capable of more active, maneuverable, extended range, high altitude and round the clock deployment, combat search and rescue, attack on enemy air defenses and all weather combat to perform the role of counter insurgency operations.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, “I will be visiting Jodhpur, Rajasthan on October 3 to participate in the induction ceremony of the first indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs). The induction of these helicopters will give a major boost to the combat prowess of the Indian Air Force. I am looking forward to it.”
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