HAL Gets Order Of Rs 45,000 Cr From Defence Ministry To Supply 156 Combat Helicopters

In a significant boost for the "Made in India" defence initiative, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said on Monday that the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).

According to HAL's regulatory filing, the Ministry of Defence aims to procure 156 Light Combat Helicopters, with 90 designated for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force. The total tender is expected to be worth over Rs 45,000 crore.

The LCH, also known as the Prachand, is a remarkable helicopter capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 metres (16,400 feet). This makes it perfect for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh. Additionally, the LCH can fire a variety of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, making it effective in neutralising enemy air defence operations.

This procurement aligns with the government's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. Earlier in April, the Defence Ministry issued another tender to HAL for 97 made-in-India LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, valued at over Rs 65,000 crore.