Prachand: A force multiplier for Indian forces | Defence Dynamics

The Indian armed forces have integrated the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) into their inventory, complementing their existing fleet of Mi-35 helicopters and American Apache AH-64s. The impetus for developing an indigenous attack helicopter emerged after the Kargil War in 1999, which highlighted the Indian forces' lack of suitable high-altitude operational attack helicopters. The Russian MI-35s in service couldn't operate effectively at high altitudes, and attempts to modify MI-17 helicopters proved inadequate and vulnerable. Consequently, the Indian government approved the development of the LCH by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2006. The first prototype of the Prachand took flight on March 19, 2010, and after extensive testing, it became the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen over 6,500 meters. The Prachand was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19, 2021, marking a significant boost to India's helicopter combat capabilities. HAL has since produced 15 limited series Prachand helicopters, with plans for a full-scale production of 156 helicopters, 90 for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force, to be executed within the next five to six years.

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