Context-

Army’s Light Combat Helicopter Prachand successfully carries out inaugural firing.

Development:

The LCH project began during the 1999 Kargil war when the armed forces needed a high-altitude, precision strike-capable platform. This led to the development of an Indian attack helicopter.

LCH Prachand

• LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• The helicopter has modern stealth features, strong armor protection, and powerful night attack capabilities.
• It comes equipped with an advanced navigation system, guns designed for close combat, and effective air-to-air missiles, which make it well-suited for today’s battlefield.
• It can operate in high-altitude areas and perform accurate strikes on targets located at high altitudes.
• It is the only attack helicopter in the World to land and take off at high altitudes of 5,000 meters while carrying a significant load of weapons and fuel.

Significance

The Indian Air Force currently operates Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack light helicopters, which, along with other helicopter types, are gradually being phased out.