Recently, the President of India undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan — a development widely analysed in UPSC coaching in Hyderabad due to its relevance for defence technology and internal security preparation.
LCH Prachand
• The LCH Prachand is an indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of taking off and landing at altitudes of up to 5,000 metres (16,400 ft), making it suitable for high-altitude operations.
• It has been customised to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and Army in both desert terrains and mountainous regions.
Key Features
• Powered by a 5.8 tonne twin Shakti engine, designed for deployment in high-altitude areas.
• Maximum speed: 268 km/h; Range: 550 km; Endurance: over three hours.
• Equipped with stealth features, armoured protection, crash-resistant landing gear, and advanced radar/infrared signature reduction systems.
• The pressurised cabin provides safety against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
• A countermeasure dispensing system protects against enemy radars and missile seekers.
Weapon Systems
• Armed with a 20 mm nose gun capable of firing 800 rounds per minute with an effective range of up to 2 km.
• Designed for multi-role operations, including close air support, anti-armour missions, and combat in high-altitude sectors.
• Dark mode attack capability enhances survivability in hostile environments.
Significance
• Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
• Provides the armed forces with a versatile platform for mountain warfare and desert operations.
• Enhances India’s ability to secure borders in challenging terrains such as the Himalayas — an important topic frequently covered in IAS coaching in Hyderabad and UPSC online coaching programs.
Conclusion
The LCH Prachand represents a major milestone in India’s defence indigenisation efforts. With its advanced features, high-altitude capability, and multi-role combat systems, it is set to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s aerial combat readiness — a key GS3 topic for aspirants preparing through civils coaching in Hyderabad.
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