Oct 03,2022:On Monday, the first batch of indigenously produced Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) dubbed “Prachand” were inducted into the Indian Air Force in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The induction event took place at Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, where the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan joined the Union Minister.
Speaking on the event, Singh stated that LCH will improve our capabilities and expand defence output, demonstrating India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
“There could not have been a better timing for LCH induction than Navratri and in the land of warriors, Rajasthan,” Singh said, adding that the LCH is a result of research and development for two decades.
“For a long time, there was a need for attack helicopters and during the 1999 Kargil war, its need was felt seriously. The LCH is a result of research and development for two decades and its induction into IAF is an important milestone in defence production,” Singh further said.
The new chopper is capable of aerial warfare and will aid the military in combating slow-moving aircraft, drones, and armoured columns during battles. The induction event will be chaired by Rajnath Singh, who has been instrumental in moving cases for buying indigenous platforms for troops forward.
He also attended the Cabinet Committee on Security, which approved the acquisition of 15 of these LCHs for the army and air force.
Singh praised the Indian Air Force and stated that the IAF has played an essential role in the nation’s security, whether it was due to domestic dangers or external war.
