An innovative addition to India’s defence capabilities, the HAL Prachand is an indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) built for high-altitude combat.
The only assault helicopter in the world that can fly at elevations of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) or higher was created by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). For India to defend its borders in places like Siachen Glacier and Ladakh, this capability is essential.
The Prachand, which was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in October 2022, is designed for a variety of combat missions, such as high-altitude bunker busting, air defence suppression, counterinsurgency, and anti-tank operations. Advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and weapon systems like air-to-air missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 20mm chin-mounted cannon are some of its cutting-edge characteristics.
Lessons learnt from the 1999 Kargil War, which highlighted the necessity for a rotorcraft that could function in extremely high-altitude situations, served as the impetus for the construction of the Prachand. The LCH’s twin native Shakti turbo-shaft engines provide unparalleled combat readiness and agility in any weather. By landing at forward outposts in Siachen with a sizable weapons load, it has already proven its mettle.
Advanced avionics and sensors designed for contemporary combat situations, especially high-altitude operations, are provided by the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Multifunction screens, a Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for accurate target acquisition, and a digital video recorder for debriefing reasons are all installed in its glass cockpit. Day-and-night target acquisition and detection are made possible by the helicopter’s Electro-Optical Pod, which consists of a CCD camera, Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, Laser Range Finder (LRF), and Laser Designator (LD).
Prachand has countermeasure dispensing systems to avoid enemy radar and missile threats, radar warning receivers (RWR), laser warning systems, and missile approach warning systems for survivability in dangerous circumstances. It also uses canted panels and infrared suppressors to diminish radar and infrared signatures, resulting in low observable technology. Together, these systems improve its operational efficacy in a variety of missions, including aerial combat, anti-tank warfare, and Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD).
For the Army and Air Force, India recently authorised the largest-ever purchase of attack helicopters, totalling 156 units at a cost of ₹62,000 crore. Through manufacture at HAL’s facilities in Bangalore and Tumkur, this decision not only strengthens India’s defence independence but also strengthens the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
In contrast to international rivals such as the Chinese Z-10 or Pakistan’s Turkish-supplied T129 ATAK, Prachand is a dependable and reasonably priced platform designed to meet India’s particular operational requirements. With its induction, India’s ability to defend its borders and rule high-altitude battles has advanced significantly.
The distinctive high-altitude capabilities of the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) set it apart on a worldwide scale and make it perfect for missions in mountainous areas like the Himalayas. Competitors like the AH-64 Apache and Kamov Ka-52, which struggle in comparable situations, cannot match Prachand’s ability to operate at heights of up to 6,500 meters (21,300 ft), which sets it apart from most attack helicopters.
Prachand is far more affordable than the Apache, costing about $50 million per unit as opposed to $100 million. India may purchase a larger fleet thanks to this affordability, which improves operational flexibility. With more than 50% local content, Prachand is also an indigenous company that promotes India’s self-reliance drive, lowering dependency on outside vendors and guaranteeing supply chain security.
The Prachand’s armament consists of air-to-air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles (Dhruvastra), and rockets designed for India’s operational requirements, while international models like the AH-64E Apache and Ka-52 Alligator excel in sophisticated weaponry and sensors, such as long-range precision missiles and AESA radar. But when it comes to demonstrated combat lethality, it still falls short of the Ka-52M’s achievements in Ukraine.
Even though Prachand doesn’t yet have the same cutting-edge weaponry and battle expertise as industry titans like Apache or Ka-52, its unparalleled high-altitude performance, affordability, and domestic manufacturing make it a vital component of India’s defence forces.
