HAL LCH Prachand

India's indigenous two-seat light attack helicopter, developed for armed reconnaissance, escort and anti-armor missions with an emphasis on high-altitude operations.

Overview

The HAL Light Combat Helicopter, named Prachand in Indian service, is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. Its operational rationale is closely tied to India's mountainous northern frontiers: the aircraft combines a narrow tandem-seat attack-helicopter layout with technology derived from the Dhruv helicopter family and performance intended for deployment from high-altitude bases. The Indian Air Force formally inducted the type in October 2022, according to Janes.

Prachand is smaller than a heavy attack helicopter and is intended to perform armed reconnaissance, escort, anti-armor and limited air-to-air missions. Its advertised weapon set includes a 20 mm gun, 70 mm rockets and guided missiles, although the weapons available to an individual aircraft depend on its production standard and the status of integration.

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