The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, valued at INR 62,700 crore (excluding taxes). The helicopters will be supplied over a period of five years, beginning in the third year of the contract execution.
Under the agreements, 66 LCHs will be delivered to the Indian Air Force, while 90 will be supplied to the Indian Army. The helicopters are designed for operations at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters. The contracts include training and associated equipment.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the procurement will involve over 250 domestic companies, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises, and is expected to generate approximately 8,500 direct and indirect jobs. The execution of the contract aims to achieve an indigenous content level exceeding 65%.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Defence has also signed an agreement with Metrea Management for the wet leasing of one Flight Refueling Aircraft (KC-135). The aircraft, to be delivered within six months, will provide air-to-air refueling training for pilots of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
With these agreements, the Ministry of Defence has signed 193 contracts in the 2024-25 period, amounting to a total contract value of INR 2,09,050 crore. Of these, 177 contracts, valued at INR 1,68,922 crore, have been awarded to domestic companies.
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