On March 28, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two major contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) worth Rs 62,700 crore, aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of India’s armed forces. 

• These contracts, cover the delivery of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand. 
• It will strengthen the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.
• The first agreement is for the supply of 66 LCHs to the IAF, while the second covers the delivery of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army.
• The helicopters will begin to be delivered in the third year of the contract, with the full supply expected to be completed over the next five years.

Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)

The LCH is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, tailored for operations in challenging high-altitude terrain.

With over 65% of its components designed and manufactured in India, the LCH project will involve more than 250 domestic companies, predominantly MSMEs, contributing to its production.

This collaboration is expected to create more than 8,500 direct and indirect job opportunities across the country.