The induction of the indigenously developed light combat helicopter (LCH), now named Prachand, into the Indian Air Force (IAF) is a milestone for the country’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence production and manufacturing. While IAF has other attack helicopters acquired from abroad, such as the United States (US)-origin Apache and the Russian-built Mi-24, these are heavier platforms that do not have the ability to operate efficiently at extremely high altitudes. As defence minister Rajnath Singh correctly noted at the ceremony to induct the Prachand, the war in Ukraine and other recent conflicts have shown that heavy weapon systems that cannot move rapidly become easy targets for the enemy. In that sense, the Prachand’s capabilities – including stealth features such as a narrower fuselage, lower profile and reduced radar and infra-red signatures – make it a worthwhile platform for a range of uses in different terrains. Given that the four helicopters inducted into IAF were part of a limited production run of 15 ordered by the government two years at a cost of ₹3,887 crore, it is understandable that all the systems, including anti-tank guided missiles and an electronic warfare and protection suite, are yet to be fully integrated with the platform.

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