The new Prachand helicopters represent more than technological advancement; they embody India’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Published: September 13, 2025 3:33 PM IST
India’s defence landscape is witnessing a transformative moment as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) prepares to unleash an upgraded fleet of Prachand light combat helicopters (LCH) that will fundamentally reshape the nation’s aerial warfare capabilities. With a massive ₹62,700 crore project underway, India is not just building helicopters—it’s crafting a statement of strategic independence that will echo across the defence corridors of the world.
The new Prachand helicopters represent more than technological advancement; they embody India’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. These aerial warriors will receive seven cutting-edge systems and four major upgrades that will make them significantly more lethal and survivable than their current counterparts serving with the army and air force. The transformation is comprehensive—from Indian-made missiles and laser-guided rockets to sophisticated electronic warfare systems capable of blocking enemy radars and signals.
What makes the Prachand truly formidable is its versatility in combat scenarios. This twin-engine attack helicopter, powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engines producing 1,400 horsepower each, can operate at altitudes exceeding 5,000 metres—a capability that gives India a distinct advantage in high-altitude warfare. With precise dimensions of 15.87 metres in length and 4.70 metres in width, the Prachand presents a compact yet powerful profile. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 5,800 kg and weighs 2,550 kg when empty, demonstrating an impressive payload capacity. Operating with a crew of two—pilot and weapon systems operator—it achieves a top speed of 268 km/h, combining agility with firepower in a package specifically designed for diverse mission profiles.
The helicopter’s impressive specifications tell the story of indigenous engineering excellence. With a rotor diameter of 13.20 metres and an overall height of 4.88 metres, the Prachand maintains optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Its service ceiling of 6,500 metres and operational range of 550 kilometres allow it to engage targets across varied terrain while maintaining operational flexibility. The aircraft’s fuel capacity of 1,400 kg ensures sustained operations during extended missions. Its 20mm turret-mounted gun, combined with air-to-air missiles and 70mm rocket pods, creates a lethal combination capable of engaging both aerial and ground targets with precision.
The upcoming upgrades will further enhance these capabilities through advanced systems including nuclear detection sensors to operate safely in contaminated war zones, secure datalink communications for seamless coordination with other military units, and sophisticated obstacle avoidance technology to prevent mid-air collisions during complex operations. The addition of infrared countermeasures will provide crucial protection against enemy heat-seeking missiles, while the electro-optical pod and helmet-mounted pointing system will give pilots unprecedented situational awareness and targeting accuracy.
HAL’s ambitious timeline promises delivery of these enhanced helicopters beginning in 2027-28, with the entire order completed within five years. Currently, 15 helicopters—10 to the air force and 5 to the army—are already operational, proving the platform’s reliability and effectiveness in real-world conditions. The fact that Indian-made components will increase from the current 45% to over 65% in final versions demonstrates the program’s success in building genuine indigenous capability.
The strategic implications extend far beyond military applications. The LCH program will engage 250 local companies and create over 8,500 jobs, establishing a robust ecosystem for helicopter manufacturing in India. HAL’s Tumakuru facility in Karnataka, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi as India’s largest helicopter plant, represents the physical manifestation of this vision. Spread across 615 acres and capable of producing 30 helicopters annually—expandable to 100 with additional investment—this facility will also manufacture light utility helicopters and the future 13-tonne Indian multi-role helicopter, including naval variants.
The Prachand’s inclusion in the government’s positive indigenisation list, which bans imports of certain defence items, signals a broader transformation in India’s defence procurement philosophy. The defence ministry’s progressive import bans, now covering 509 weapons and systems across five lists, reflect a determined push toward self-reliance that has gained momentum over the past five to six years.
This transformation encompasses comprehensive policy reforms including phased import restrictions, dedicated budgets for local military hardware, increased foreign direct investment limits from 49% to 74%, and streamlined business processes. These measures have created an environment where indigenous defence manufacturing can flourish while maintaining competitive quality standards.
The Prachand program exemplifies India’s evolution from a defence importer to a potential defence exporter. As these helicopters take to the skies with their enhanced capabilities—destroying enemy air defences, targeting slow aircraft and drones, neutralizing high-altitude bunkers, conducting counter-insurgency operations, and providing close air support—they will carry with them the aspirations of a nation determined to secure its borders through indigenous strength.
The next 18 months will be crucial as HAL finalizes the new systems and upgrades that will define the Prachand’s combat effectiveness. With specifications that rival international competitors and indigenous content that ensures operational independence, India’s Prachand helicopters are poised to become symbols of a new era in defence manufacturing—one where the nation’s security needs are met through homegrown innovation and industrial capability.
As India faces evolving security challenges across its borders, the enhanced Prachand fleet will serve as both shield and sword, protecting national interests while demonstrating to the world that Indian defence technology has come of age. The ₹62,700 crore investment is not just about helicopters; it’s about securing India’s future in an uncertain world through the power of indigenous innovation.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Mana.ging Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
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