Armed Forces 'Tank-Busting' Capabilities Set To Get A Boost, As IAF Prepares To Order 156 Prachand Helicopters From HAL

In a significant move aimed at bolstering heliborne strike capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to place orders for 156 'Made-in-India' Prachand attack helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Prachand, also known as Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), is intended for deployment on both the China and Pakistan fronts by the IAF and the Indian Army.

Earlier in August, HAL completed the deliveries of the 15 Prachand helicopters, way ahead of the contracted schedule.

"The IAF as the lead service has moved a proposal to the government for buying 156 more Prachand choppers as a joint acquisition case which is likely to get approved soon," stated a ANI report quoting senior defence officials.

Out of the 156 helicopters, 66 will be inducted by the Indian Air Force, while the remaining 90 will be acquired by the Indian Army.

The Prachand helicopter has been designed to meet the requirements of the Indian military in high-altitude areas such as Kashmir, Ladakh, and Arunachal.

Functioning primarily as a close air support (CAS) aircraft in high-altitude terrain, it excels in roles such as conducting destruction of enemy air defense (DEAD) missions, destroying enemy tanks, executing high-altitude bunker-busting operations, and intercepting slow-moving remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs).

Equipped with HAL's new-generation Shakti engine, co-developed with the French engine-maker Safran, the 5.8-tonne helo has been designed to operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet.

Prachand stands as the only helicopter in the world with the capability to operate at altitudes above 5,000 to 6,000 meters while carrying a substantial offensive payload.

Moreover, it holds the distinction of executing successful landings at forward camps situated at Siachen, an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level, while carrying a 500 kg payload.

Prachand comes armed with a 20-millimeter (mm) cannon mounted below its nose, capable of piercing light armor with a fire rate of one thousand bullets per minute.

It also carries 70-mm rockets on pods on either side.

Additionally, Prachand will be armed with advanced Dhruvastra air-to-ground missiles, designed to target hardened enemy shelters in high-altitude and diverse terrains.