Defense Minister Rajnath Singh today formally inducted the indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter into the Indian Air Force. The ceremony was held at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan. These helicopters will be inducted into 143 Helicopter Units. Light combat helicopters are named Prachanda. Rajnath Singh said that the induction of Light Combat Helicopters will increase the combat capability of the Air Force and this is a big achievement in the direction of self-reliant India. The Defense Minister said that the need for these combat helicopters was felt during the Kargil war and efforts were being made for over two decades to fulfill this demand.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has developed these helicopters. State-of-the-art modern combat helicopters are designed for deployment in high altitude areas. These are the helicopters in the world that can take off and land with weapons and fuel at an altitude of five thousand meters with great weight.
These helicopters are fitted with two powerful engines and have special radar evasion capability. Its other features include all-weather maneuverability, protective cover, night attack capability and precision targeting while chasing the enemy.
Light combat helicopters are capable of flying up to five hundred and fifty kilometers and can reach altitudes of up to six thousand five hundred meters. These helicopters are equipped with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, 70 mm rocket and 20 mm gun.
The Light Combat Helicopter can perform a variety of roles, including combat search and rescue, destroying enemy air defenses, and performing counter-terrorist operations in jungle and urban areas. The Security Committee of the Cabinet had approved the procurement of 15 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters in March this year.
