The largest-ever agreement to purchase 156 light combat helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Army and Air Force, valued at over ₹62,000 crore, was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security on Friday.
The helicopters would be manufactured at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s facilities in Bengaluru and Tumkur, Karnataka, and would be their largest order to date.
A significant step towards generating employment and growing the nation’s aerospace industry, the 156 helicopters will be split between the Indian Army (90) and the Indian Air Force for use in operations along the borders with China and Pakistan, defense sources informed ANI.
In June of last year, the contract for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) was awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
They stated that this combined procurement is being led by the IAF.
The LCH, also called the Prachand, is the only assault helicopter in the world that can land and take off at 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making it perfect for use in Eastern Ladakh and the high-altitude regions of the Siachen glacier.
In addition, the Prachand can destroy the enemy’s air defense systems and fire a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts, the government has been highlighting its goal of being self-sufficient in defense production through the use of Made in India. With the conclusion of discussions, the government has placed the largest order for domestic defense systems, including 83 Light Combat Aircraft, and is currently ordering 97 more.
The agreement for 307 ATAGS howitzers was just approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, and it is set to be signed this Wednesday. Two businesses, including Bharat Forge and the Tata group, split the ₹7,000 crore agreement.
