Jodhpur, Oct. 3 (PTI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday inducted the first fleet of indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), which has been developed primarily for mountain warfare after a requirement for it was felt during the Kargil war in 1999. Developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine gunship chopper is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret guns, rocket systems and other weapons. The fleet comprising four helicopters was inducted into the IAF at a ceremony at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other senior military officials. The defence minister named the helicopter as “Prachand” (fierce) and said the platform, capable of operating in day and night, will add significant edge to the IAF’s combat capabilities as it can hit enemy targets with precision. Sin
India witnessed the induction of the first made-in-India light combat helicopter' Prachand' on Monday in the Air Force with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct on Monday the first batch of indigenously developed light combat helicopter (LCH), in a boost to its combat prowess as the multi-role platform is capable of firing a range of missiles and other weapons.