The first batch of indigenously developed light combat helicopters was delivered to the Indian Air Force on Monday. A ceremony was held today in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, for the induction of the first indigenously developed light combat helicopter (LCH).
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari was also present at the induction ceremony, which included a ‘sarv-dharam’ prayer.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures the light combat helicopter, which is an indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter.
Light combat helicopters from HAL are the only helicopters capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,500 metres (16,400 feet), meeting the specific requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
Rajnath Singh spoke at the induction ceremony and said, “For a long time, there was a need for attack helicopters and during the 1999 Kargil war, its need was dealt with seriously. The LCH is a result of research for two decades. And its induction into the IAF is an important milestone in defence production.”
He further added that the LCH is highly capable of dodging the enemy, carrying different ammunition and fast delivery on the site. It meets all the required needs of the armed forces in multiple terrains and is a perfect match for the Army and Airforce.
