In a major boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, IAF to induct made-in-India Light Combat Helicopters today

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the Induction ceremony of the first indigenously-developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) in Jodhpur today.

It was in March earlier this year that PM Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved procurement of 15 LCH Limited Series Production (LSP) from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), 10 of which are for the Indian Air Force and remaining five for the Indian Army.

“The induction of these helicopters will be a big boost to the IAF’s combat prowess. Looking forward to it,” tweeted Singh.

The procurement of helicopters has been done at a cost of Rs 3,887 crore along with Infrastructure sanctions worth Rs 377 crore.

The Light Combat Helicopter Limited Series Production (LSP) is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern combat helicopter containing approximately 45% indigenous content by value which will progressively increase to more than 55% for SP Version.

This helicopter is equipped with requisite agility, maneuverability, extended range, high altitude performance and around-the-clock, all-weather combat capability to perform roles of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), Counter Insurgency (CI) operations, against slow moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high altitude bunker busting operations, counter-insurgency operations in jungle and urban environments and support to ground forces and would be a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

State of the art technologies and systems compatible with stealth features such as reduced visual, aural, radar and IR signatures and crashworthiness features for better survivability have been integrated in LCH for deployment in combat roles catering to emerging needs for next 3 to 4 decades. Several key aviation technologies like glass cockpit and composite airframe structure have been indigenised. The future Series Production version will consist of further modern and indigenous systems.

Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, India is continuously growing in its capability to indigenously design, develop and manufacture advanced cutting edge technologies and systems in the defence sector. The manufacturing of LCH by HAL will give a further push to the initiative and boost indigenisation of defence production and the defence industry in the country. Production of LCH will reduce import dependence for combat helicopters in the country. Light Combat Helicopters are already in the import embargo list. With its versatile features built in for combat missions, LCH has export capability.

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