Indian MoD Approves $7.2B Deal with HAL for 156 Light Combat Helicopters

India's Ministry of Defence has finalized a contract worth INR 62,700 crore ($7.2 billion) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), marking the largest helicopter acquisition in the country's history.

The deal includes 90 helicopters for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force.

The Prachand helicopters are designed for operations at altitudes up to 21,000 feet, addressing key gaps identified during the 1999 Kargil War. The aircraft, powered by twin Shakti engines developed in collaboration with France’s Safran Group, is equipped to counter enemy infantry, tanks, bunkers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It features lightweight armor, bulletproof windshields, self-sealing fuel tanks, and damage-tolerant rotor blades to enhance survivability in combat.

Deliveries will begin in the third year and extend over five years. The procurement supports India's defense self-reliance initiative, with plans to increase indigenous content in the helicopters from 45% to over 65%. The program involves more than 250 domestic companies, primarily small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and is expected to generate over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Metrea Management for the wet lease of a KC-135 Flight Refueling Aircraft (FRA) to provide air-to-air refueling training for Indian Air Force and Navy pilots. The aircraft, expected within six months, will be the first FRA to be wet leased by the IAF.