Jodhpur: The indigenously made ‘Light Combat Helicopter-LCH’ has entered the Indian Air Force fleet. The Air Force needed a light but effective attack helicopter capable of flying in high-altitude mountainous areas. The Air Force became acutely aware of this weakness during the 1999 Kargil War. Efforts were then started to produce such helicopters and the ‘Prachand’ entered the Air Force fleet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that this is a historic success for the country on the front line of defence sector creation.
Moreover, the event of ‘Prachand’ joining the Air Force was held at the Jodhpur Air Force base. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari were present. Out of about 15 LCH Prachands, ten will be given to the Air Force, and five will be inducted into the Army. The huge helicopter weighing around 5.8 tons can fly with weapons from 16,000 feet. Due to this, this helicopter can be easily deployed and used effectively in the Himalayan region. Especially for patrolling, this helicopter will play an important role in the future.
Military officials have expressed the belief that whether it is the enemy army unit, enemy tanks, their bunkers or drones in the hilly areas, they can easily destroy all of them with their weapons. Prachand is equipped with air-to-air missiles, rocket systems, and a 20 mm turret gun. Apart from this, other weapons can make this helicopter hit very effectively. Besides, Prachand is designed in a way that the enemy’s hit will not affect at all.
Moreover, Prachand, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is being compared with the American-made Apache helicopter. It has been revealed that this helicopter is even ahead of the Apache in some respects. Analysts believe that further improvements will be made to this helicopter and will be made more effective. Besides, claims are also being made that the strike capability and patrolling capability of the Indian Air Force will be significantly increased due to the inclusion of these helicopters.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed the belief that due to the inclusion of Prachand, the Indian Air Force has gained more strength and to the same extent, India’s self-reliance in the defence sector has also gained new strength. This time, Rajnath Singh flew in a huge helicopter. Meanwhile, the Indian defence forces and observers closely watch the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Heavy weapons and robust defences that cannot move quickly are easier for the enemy to target.
The conflict in Ukraine has shown that small and light weapons that can be moved with agility can be effectively used in the current battle. Against that backdrop, the importance of Prachand, which can move nimbly even in remote areas, has increased. Prachand will lead India in the conflict in the hilly regions. Therefore, India’s success in this regard can be a decisive factor in future conflicts.
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