India finally approves production of combat helicopters
The manufacture of 15 LCHs has been authorised, but these will likely be modified in ensuing production runs. (Gordon Arthur)
Approval to produce indigenous combat helicopters has been a long time coming for HAL, but it now has a green light for limited series production.
India’s Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the INR38.87 billion ($13.5 million) procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The committee also sanctioned HAL an additional INR3.77 billion for infrastructure to build these limited series production helicopters, ten of which are for the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) and five for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Industry officials said both services would operate the 15 LCHs to gauge their operational performance, following which, recommended changes would be incorporated for additional series production orders.
HAL anticipates orders for 179 LCHs – 114 for the army and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs]()
South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs
Boeing and South Korea have solidified plans that would see Boeing UAV design and technology capabilities implemented locally by South Korean companies.
-
![Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C]()
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
![Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft]()
Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft
A new agreement between Leonardo, the Italian government and Slovenia has marked the procurement of a second C-27J Spartan medium tactical transport aircraft for Slovenia, following an earlier deal signed in March 2022.
-
![Germany's expansion of P-8 Poseidon fleet casts further doubt on Franco-German MAWS]()
Germany's expansion of P-8 Poseidon fleet casts further doubt on Franco-German MAWS
The recent approval by the German Budget Committee to acquire three additional P-8s has ignited further concerns about potential setbacks in the joint Franco-German Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS) initiative.
