IAF inducts indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter

"It is a momentous occasion reflecting India's capability in defence production," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 3, 2022 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 the 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 Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other senior military officials.

Chairman and Managing Director of HAL said "Four LCH have been delivered to Indian Air Force, and four more will be delivered within this financial year."

"The induction of LCH marks a new chapter in the IAF…. The LCH is at par or better than similar attack helicopters available globally," said IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari.

The IAF chief said "Selection of the Unit have been specifically selected based on professional competence to ensure quick operationalisation."

"It is a momentous occasion reflecting India's capability in defence production," Mr. Singh said.