India approves ₹62,000 cr deal for 156 combat helicopters

New Delhi

The Indian government has approved its largest-ever defence deal, sanctioning the purchase of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) worth over ₹62,000 crore for the Indian Army and Air Force.

The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the deal, providing a significant boost to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which will manufacture the helicopters at its Bengaluru and Tumkur plants. The Indian Army will receive 90 helicopters, while the Air Force will get 66. These helicopters will be deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan, enhancing India’s defence preparedness.

The LCH, also called Prachand, is the only attack helicopter globally that can take off and land at an altitude of 5,000 meters, making it ideal for high-altitude operations in regions like Siachen and Eastern Ladakh. It is equipped with advanced air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, significantly strengthening India's air combat capabilities.

HAL received the tender for these helicopters in June last year, with the Indian Air Force leading the procurement process. This deal aligns with the government’s "Make in India" initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In addition to the LCH deal, the government has also cleared the purchase of 307 ATAGS howitzers worth ₹7,000 crore. The contract, split between Bharat Forge and Tata Group, is expected to be signed next week. These initiatives highlight India's commitment to modernising its defence forces and boosting indigenous defence production.