10 Helicopters for Air Force, Five for Army

India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), allocating INR38.87 billion ($512.5 million) to acquire 10 helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and five for the Army.

The helicopters are part of a limited series production, with the Indian government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) announcing on 30 March they contain approximately 45% indigenous content by value, which will progressively increase to over 55% in series production. HAL expects the Army to order 114 and the IAF 65 aircraft.

The committee also approved INR3.77 billion to build facilities for these helicopters, which are expected to perform a variety of roles, including CSAR, destruction of enemy air defences, counter-insurgency operations in jungle and urban environments, support of ground forces, and high-altitude bunker busting operations, according to the PIB.

Powered by two Shakti turboshaft engines, the LCH has a stated maximum payload of 700kg, an operational range of 550km, and a service ceiling of 6.5km, enabling it to operate in the 4,700m-high Siachen Glacier in the Himalayas.

Developed to reduce India’s import reliance, the LCH features a stealthy design to reduce visual, acoustic, radar and IR signatures, as well as important technologies such as a glass cockpit and a composite airframe.

New Delhi said the LCH demonstrates that 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 the LCH by HAL will give a further push to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and boost indigenisation of defence production and the defence industry in the country,” stated the PIB, while noting that the LCH has “export capability.”