Whopping Rs 50,000 cr! HAL bags ‘largest single order’ from Defence Ministry for terror choppers – Details
whopping rs 50,000 cr! hal bags ‘largest single order’ from defence ministry for terror choppers – details
The Defence Ministry has granted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a tender worth approximately Rs 50,000 crore for the procurement of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), according to a report by Economics Times. This is the largest single order ever given to an Indian company for acquiring helicopters.
The tender was issued to HAL under the Single Vendor Contract (SVC) route, allowing HAL to submit a techno-commercial bid. The Defence Ministry will negotiate this bid before finalizing the deal. HAL, being the sole company awarded the tender, signifies a strong government push towards indigenous defence manufacturing.
As per the ET report, the Indian Army and Air Force will receive 156 ‘Prachand’ helicopters, specifically designed for Indian conditions. These helicopters have demonstrated exceptional performance at high altitudes during trials in Ladakh, making them a vital asset for the military.
Officials highlighted that the LCH is equipped with agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, and high-altitude performance. It is capable of performing around-the-clock, all-weather combat missions, including Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), Counter Insurgency (CI) operations, and support to ground forces. The helicopters can also engage slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), and conduct high-altitude bunker-busting operations.
The Indigenous content by value for the LCHs is expected to exceed 55% initially, with plans to increase this percentage over time. This contract follows a previous order in 2022 for 15 LCHs valued at Rs 3,887 crore, which included infrastructure sanctions worth Rs 377 crore. The LCH is projected to be India’s primary combat helicopter for the next three to four decades, potentially opening avenues for export orders and further reducing dependence on foreign imports.