Why in news?
On 27 February 2026 President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Her flight showcased India’s growing defence capabilities and the success of domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Background
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is designed and manufactured by state‑owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Development began in the early 2000s to meet the Indian Armed Forces’ requirement for a modern, high‑altitude attack helicopter capable of operating in both desert and Himalayan environments. The helicopter was named Prachand, meaning “fierce” in Hindi. It entered service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army in 2022.
Key features
- High‑altitude capability: Prachand can take off and land at altitudes up to 5,000 metres (16,400 feet), making it suitable for mountainous regions like Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier.
- Powerful engines: Fitted with two 5.8‑tonne Shakti engines developed jointly by HAL and Safran of France. The maximum speed is around 268 km/h, with a range of 550 km and endurance of more than three hours.
- Armament: Equipped with a 20‑mm nose gun capable of firing 800 rounds per minute, along with rockets and air‑to‑air/air‑to‑surface missiles. Integrated avionics and target‑acquisition systems enable precision strikes.
- Survivability: Features stealthy design, armour protection, crash‑resistant landing gear and a countermeasure dispensing system to evade radar and infrared seekers.
- NBC protection: A pressurised cabin protects the crew from nuclear, biological and chemical environments.
Significance
- Self‑reliance: LCH Prachand underscores India’s progress in developing indigenous defence hardware and reducing dependence on imports.
- Operational flexibility: Its ability to operate in extreme temperatures and high altitudes gives the armed forces an edge in both desert and mountain warfare.
- Symbolic value: The President’s sortie sends a message of confidence in the indigenous platform and boosts morale among scientists, engineers and service personnel.
Source: Press Information Bureau