Largest Defence Contract for Indigenous Attack Helicopters

The Indian government has approved a significant defence contract worth ₹62,000 crore for indigenous attack helicopters, specifically the 'Prachand' light combat helicopters, designed for extreme terrains and weather conditions, including high-altitude areas.

Contract Details

• The contract is the largest single order for military equipment to an Indian company.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is tasked with producing the helicopters, with a substantial portion of the work outsourced to the private sector.
• The first delivery of these helicopters is expected within three years.
• Ultimately, around 40% of the work will be outsourced to private companies.

Production and Allocation

• The order is split between the Indian Army (90 helicopters) and the Indian Air Force (66 helicopters).
• Initial production will be in Bengaluru, with plans to expand to Tumkur.
• This contract increases HAL's order book to over ₹2 lakh crore, including other helicopters and fighter jets.

Prachand Helicopters

The Prachand helicopters, designed for Indian conditions, have shown excellent performance in high-altitude trials in Ladakh.

• HAL has already delivered 15 helicopters to the armed forces, which have been well-received for their high-altitude performance.
• These helicopters will be the main combat choppers for the next three to four decades and have potential for export orders.

Capabilities and Features

• Roles include combat search and rescue, destruction of enemy air defenses, counter-insurgency operations, and support to ground forces.
• Features modern stealth characteristics, robust armor, and formidable night attack capability.
• Equipped with advanced navigation systems, close combat guns, and air-to-air missiles.

Previous Orders

In 2022, the government ordered 15 light combat helicopters from HAL for ₹3,887 crore, inducted by the Air Force in October 2022.