IAF inducts made-in-India Light Combat Helicopter: stealth tech, night attack, all-weather op features

In a fresh boost for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the military sector, the Indian Air Force inducted the indigenously-developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) on 3 October 2022.

The LCH is made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and capable of firing a variety of missiles, and other weapons. It has stealth tech, armoured-protection systems, night attack capability and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability. It is primarily designed for deployment in high-altitude regions.

The LCH is agile, has extended range, and also all-weather combat capability for a range of roles like search and rescue, destroying enemy air defence, and counter-insurgency. Some LCH features are similar to Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.

The first batch of LCH was inducted into Air Force ranks at a ceremony in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari presided over the event.

Also watch: Indian Navy's new flag revealed: PM Modi unveils ensign with Shivaji link at INS Vikrant induction event

The procurement of 15 LCH at a cost of ₹3,887 crore was cleared in March 2022 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ten of the helicopters are for the IAF, while 5 are for the Indian Army.