On the occasion of its 92nd raising day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has put forth a proposal to the defense ministry for the acquisition of 156 newly developed Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, which are entirely indigenous creations. This proposal outlines a plan in which the IAF would integrate 66 of these innovative helicopters into its fleet, while the remaining 90 would be procured by the Indian Army.
According to authoritative sources within the government, the initiation of this proposal, which seeks to acquire the 156 helicopters, originates from the Indian Air Force and is anticipated to receive the green light from the Defense Ministry in the near future.
These Prachand helicopters, which have been meticulously crafted to cater to the specific demands of the Indian armed forces, have already demonstrated their exceptional capabilities. A noteworthy milestone in this endeavor was the induction of fifteen of these formidable machines into the services. These choppers exhibited their prowess in diverse environments, including desert terrain and high-altitude regions.
Both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army harbor a keen interest in augmenting their fleets with more of these helicopters. The primary objective is to enhance their preparedness along the borders adjoining China and Pakistan, as per the statements of government officials.
It's worth highlighting that the impending approval of this proposal signifies a momentous achievement within Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, particularly within the defense sector.
The Prachand Light Combat Helicopters made their inaugural entry into the Indian Air Force's arsenal on October 3 of the previous year. Since then, they have been extensively deployed in desert regions. The IAF's experiences with these helicopters have been overwhelmingly positive, prompting the institution to engage in integrated exercises with the Army. These activities have been designed to ensure a high level of readiness for potential future conflicts.
What sets the Prachand helicopters apart is their unique capability to land and take off at altitudes as high as 5,000 meters, rendering them exceptionally suited for operations in challenging high-altitude zones such as the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh. Armed with an arsenal of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, they possess the capability to effectively neutralize enemy air defenses. Furthermore, their advanced navigation systems empower pilots to identify and eliminate targets with precision, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness.
