The Ministry of Defense has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) named ‘Prachand’. This substantial procurement, valued at approximately Rs 45,000 crores, includes 90 helicopters for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force.
Does this mean order is placed?
No. This is the first step in any procurement of military platforms. “The RFP is a crucial step in the tender process for acquiring military equipment,” explained a senior officer.
High Altitude Capability
The Prachand helicopters are designed to operate at altitudes up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making them ideal for deployment in high-altitude regions like Eastern Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier. Weighing around six tons, the LCH is lightweight, allowing it to take off and land in high-altitude areas while equipped with its full complement of missiles and other weaponry.
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Advanced Attack Features
The LCH can be armed with ‘Mistral’ air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles procured from France. It also features two pods of 70 mm rockets, each containing 12 rockets. Additionally, a 20 mm gun is mounted on the nose, capable of rotating 110 degrees, providing a versatile attack capability.
Modern Technological Enhancements
The Prachand helicopter incorporates several advanced technologies from the Dhruv light helicopter, including an armored protection system, night attack capability, and crash-worthy landing gear. Its glass cockpit and composite airframe structure are developed indigenously, highlighting India’s technological advancements. The LCH boasts agility, maneuverability, extended range, high-altitude performance, and all-weather combat capability. It is well-suited for combat search and rescue missions, destroying enemy air defenses, and anti-terrorism operations.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, the Indian Air Force and Army require 160 attack helicopters to effectively combat adversaries and eliminate terrorist launch pads and hideouts. While India has procured 26 Apache attack helicopters from the United States, the remaining requirement will be met by the indigenous Prachand helicopters. This move underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Counter-Terrorism Operations
The timing of this significant order for Prachand helicopters coincides with recent terrorist attacks in the Jammu region. Terrorists often retreat to high-altitude forests after launching attacks. The Prachand helicopters are equipped to selectively target and neutralize terrorists hiding in such challenging terrains. Earlier this year, the Indian Air Force demonstrated the night-time capabilities of the Prachand LCH by successfully neutralizing a designated target using rockets, showcasing its effectiveness in combat scenarios.
Market Impact
Following the announcement of the RFP, HAL’s share price flew high and surged 6.5 percent on June 18 as soon as equity markets opened. On June 19, HAL’s share price increased by Rs 360 to hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 5,582.80. This increase is attributed to the government’s significant order of 156 Prachand helicopters to HAL, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s prospects.
The procurement of Prachand helicopters represents a strategic enhancement of India’s defense capabilities, emphasizing indigenous production and self-reliance. These advanced helicopters will play a critical role in high-altitude operations and counter-terrorism missions, bolstering the nation’s security and operational readiness. Come from Sports betting site VPbet
