The first batch of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) named " Prachand" was inducted into the Indian Air Force today, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The HAL Prachand (lit."Fierce") is an Indian multi-role, light attack helicopter designed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under project LCH. I Its flight ceiling is the highest among all attack helicopters in the world.

The light combat helicopter over the next several years will be the bedrock of attack helicopter formations in the Indian Army and in the Indian Air Force. The 5.8-tonne twin-engine helicopter has already completed various weapons firing tests, the officials said.

The helicopter can also be deployed in high-altitude bunker-busting operations, counter-insurgency operations in the jungles and urban environments, as well as for supporting ground forces.

The chopper has been tested over Ladakh. It can take out Chinese drones with air-to-air missiles. It can also take out tanks on the ground using air to surface anti-tank munitions.

The key feature of this made-in-India LCH perfectly meets the needs of our armed forces. It is concluded that Prachanda is increasing the defense strength of the army when Pakistan and China pose a threat on the border.