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Bengaluru, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria flew the home-grown <keyword id="158152" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Light-Combat-Helicopter">Light Combat Helicopter</keyword> (LCH) over this aerospace city for an hour, an official said on Friday. "Bhadauria flew the twin-seater LCH for a hour, taking off around noon from our airport in the city's eastern suburb, with our deputy chief test pilot Wing Commander (Retd) S.P. John," a Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (<keyword id="68124" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="HAL">HAL</keyword>) official told IANS here. The Air Chief, who is in the city to unveil the 59th annual conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine, undertook the sortie in the HAL-made LCH for the first time, as a co-pilot, dressed in a fighter pilot suit. Designed and developed by the city-based state-run defence behemoth (HAL), LCH is the world's multi-role lightest attack helicopter, with a highest flight ceiling. "The LCH has been certified by the relevant agency for induction into the IAF and the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> soon," said the official. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the proposal for initial batch of 15 LCHs. The IAF issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for 15 limited series production of the helicopter, including 5 for the Army. Bhadauria, who took over as the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) in September 2019, also flew the HAL-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on May 27, 2020 when it was inducted into the IAF's 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) at the Sulur air base near Coimbatore in the neigbhouring Tamil Nadu state. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/mumbais-massive-power-cut-last-month-may-have-been-the-work-of-hackers/articleshow/79318282.cms">Mumbai’s massive power cut last month may have been the work of hackers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/vodafone-idea-shares-jump-after-selling-stake-in-indus-towers-for-3760-crore/articleshow/79316662.cms">Vodafone Idea soars nearly 5% on fund infusion from Indus Towers stake sale</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-india-was-supposed-to-launch-today/articleshow/79315462.cms">PUBG Mobile India was rumoured to launch today — but there is no official update from the company</a>

Indian Air Force chief flies HAL's home-grown Light Combat Helicopter ahead of its induction into the armed forces

Boeing AH-64 Apache versus HAL Light Combat Helicopter

New Delhi, <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="Orion">India</keyword> on Thursday accorded an initial approval to defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore that included procurement of 97 <keyword id="6376012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tejas" source="Orion">Tejas</keyword> light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand combat helicopters, in a major move to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the projects, at a time India is locked in a bitter military standoff with China at a number of friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years. The defence ministry said 98 per cent of the total procurement worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore will be sourced from the domestic industries and that the move will give a substantial boost to the Indian defence industry in achieving the goal of 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence industry. The DAC also approved a proposal of the Indian Air Force to upgrade its Su-30 fighter fleet by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (<keyword id="68124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HAL" source="Orion">HAL</keyword>). The DAC further accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or initial approval for procurement of two types of anti-tank munitions namely area denial munition (ADM) type-2 and type-3. The top body on procurement of military hardware also cleared acquisition and integration of automatic target tracker (ATT) and digital basaltic computer (DBC) for T-90 tanks besides approving another proposal to buy medium range anti-ship missiles (MRAShM) for the Indian Navy. The MRAShM is a lightweight surface-to-surface missile which will be a primary offensive weapon onboard various Indian naval ships. "The DAC accorded AoNs for procurement of Light Combat Helicopter for Indian Air Force and Indian Army and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A for IAF from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category," the ministry said. Though it did not mention the specific numbers, official sources said 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) are being procured for the IAF and 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) are being procured for the Army and the Air Force. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the IAF. With the additional fleet, the number of indigenously-developed Tejas aircraft being procured by the IAF would go up to 180. "The AoNs have also been accorded by the DAC for upgradation of Su-30 MKI aircraft indigenously from HAL. "While procurement of these equipment will provide enormous strength to the IAF, acquisition from domestic defence industries will take the indigenous capability to a new height," the ministry said in a statement. "It will also reduce dependability on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) substantially," it added.

India approves defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh cr

Lucknow, Feb 7 () The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the Initial Operational Clearance for production of the Light Utility Helicopter, which is set to replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian armed forces, the company said on Friday. R Madhavan, CMD, HAL, received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) document from G Sateesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R &amp; D, and Chairman, DRDO, at the Bandhan programme held during the ongoing DefExpo 2020 here on Friday, a statement issued by the HAL said. The document was handed over in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and others, it added. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a single-engine, lightweight and highly agile three-ton utility helicopter, indigenously designed and developed to meet the operational requirements of the Army and the Indian Air Force. The LUH will soon replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Madhavan said the development was a momentous occasion for the HAL. "It reinforces our commitment towards indigenous R&amp;D programmes on self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Indian armed forces. The HAL is fully geared up to fulfil the requirements of its customers in a time-bound manner," he said. Arup Chatterjee, Director, Engineering and R&amp;D, HAL, said the performance of basic configuration of the LUH in all terrains and under all weather conditions was satisfactory. "The HAL is moving towards the next phase of integrating and flight testing of mission and role equipment on the LUH," he said. The statement said one LUH prototype is part of flying display and another is part of static display at the DefExpo 2020. Three prototypes have been built and cumulatively completed over 550 flights under various terrains and climatic conditions like cold weather, hot weather, sea-level and high-altitude, complying to stringent certification and user requirements, it said. The LUH's endurance and reliability was established during the hot weather and high-altitude trials where it was ferried from Bengaluru, covering over 7,000-km distance and continuously flying for 17 days without any abnormalities, the statement said. NAV AQS

HAL says received IOC for Light Utility Helicopter

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Poland is on a spending spree to build what it describes as "the largest land force in Europe."</li><li>Among its purchases are US-made tanks and helicopters designed to work in tandem on the battlefield.</li></ul>As Eastern Europe rearms in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland is emerging as a regional military powerhouse.Despite only being a member of NATO since 1999, Poland is spending much more than older alliance members. At 3.9% of GDP, Poland's 2023 defense budget <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/scope-polands-spending-spree-focus-nato-ups-defence-goal-2023-07-12/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is almost double</a> the NATO goal of 2% of GDP for each country — a target alliance pillars such as <a href="https://wisconsinwatch.org/2023/07/do-many-nato-countries-meet-their-pledge-to-spend-2-of-their-gdp-on-defense/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Germany and France</a> have yet to meet.The defense minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, has said that Poland intends to create "the largest land force in Europe." This includes doubling the military to 300,000 personnel. Poland currently has a mix of Western and Soviet-era equipment, including 650 tanks, 800 artillery pieces, 94 jet fighters, and 28 attack helicopters, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.Poland has sent some of its older hardware to Ukraine, including Soviet-designed MiG-29 fighter jets and T-72 tanks and Polish-built Krab 155-mm self-propelled howitzers.<div type="image" title="Two helicopters in flight." height="1333" width="2000" msid="103222918" hostid="261"></div>What is significant isn't just Poland's spending spree but also what it is buying.Warsaw has signed $6 billion in deals to buy <a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-poland-district-of-columbia-business-5f1681545d1bbe41ea4fb40fe719b21e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">350 M1 Abrams tanks</a> from the US, and the US State Department just approved a $12 billion purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters armed with a variety of weapons, including Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Stinger air-to-air missiles, and the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile. The 96 helicopters would make Poland the largest Apache operator other than the US.Poland is also spending $10 billion <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/europeans-are-buying-rocket-artillery-after-himars-success-in-ukraine-2023-7">for 18 HIMARS launchers</a> and reportedly plans to acquire up to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/poland-open-himars-service-centre-2023-2023-05-04/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">500 more</a> launchers. The initial HIMARS systems are set to come with 45 Army Tactical Missile System long-range rockets that the US has so far declined to give Ukraine.Poland has also ordered $14 billion in weapons from South Korea, an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-ships-jets-mark-rise-of-south-korea-defense-industry-2023-3">emerging defense-industry powerhouse</a>, including 1,000 K2 Black Panther tanks, nearly 700 K9 self-propelled howitzers, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/poland-buys-south-korean-jets-to-replace-aging-soviet-fighters-2022-8">48 FA-50 light combat aircraft</a>.One question is whether Poland's $700 billion economy can handle the surge in defense spending. Some experts point to Poland's low national debt and public support for a strong defense to deter Russia as evidence that it can.However, Radosław Sikorski, an opposition politician and former foreign minister, told <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/91590a6d-2739-42c6-bb29-4d2aeac21bf7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Financial Times</a> this spring: "It's not obvious to me that Poland has the ability to pay for all of this when you look at how the financial markets are now and our recent record in terms of selling bonds."<div type="image" title="Poland AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer" height="1384" width="2000" msid="103222919" hostid="261"></div>Poland also seems to be embracing a new way of war.One problem for the former Warsaw Pact countries is that while most have joined NATO, their militaries' training, doctrine, and command structure are still based on the Soviet model. Ukraine, for example, has juggled a force of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraines-military-balances-uneven-training-levels-after-year-of-war-2023-4">troops trained under Soviet and Western models</a>, and its current counteroffensive has been hampered as Western-trained assault brigades struggle to master new tactics while attempting to breach <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-battlefield-defenses-built-like-in-wwii-effective-in-ukraine-2023-6">heavily fortified Russian defenses</a>.In effect, Poland seems to be redeveloping its army into a smaller version of the US Army, which relies on combined-arms tactics, such as close cooperation between Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters.The AH-64 deal includes 37 mast-mounted Longbow Fire Control Radar sets, which suggests the Polish army plans to use those helicopters similarly to the US Army, "with a single aircraft on a flight detecting targets and sharing that information with non-Longbow-equipped aircraft," <a href="https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-approves-12-billion-polish-order-apaches-missiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aviation Week</a> magazine reported.Poland has been <a href="https://www.inyourpocket.com/warsaw/the-polish-partitions-explained_78064f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invaded, occupied, and partitioned</a> by its larger, more aggressive neighbors many times over the centuries. Vladimir Putin's nostalgia for the Soviet glory of World War II, which saw Poland divided, fought over, and then conquered, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/30/polish-pm-furious-at-putin-rewriting-history-of-second-world-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reawakens those memories</a>. Polish leaders now see a big, well-equipped army — whatever its cost — as the best bulwark against a repeat of that history.Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/@mipeck1" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=031b2d50cbdac0fa31e91243bf4d02324deef0918da59c6d06089ce83c069930&amp;postID=64ef5378b26093bc4de44fec&amp;postSlug=poland-buying-tanks-helicopters-able-to-wage-combined-arms-warfare-2023-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmipeck%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noindex noopener sponsored">LinkedIn</a>.

Huge purchases of tanks and helicopters suggest Poland is borrowing a battlefield idea from the US Army

Bengaluru, The <keyword id="6355100" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword> has received three "made in <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>" <keyword id="6706498" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Advanced-Light-Helicopters">advanced light helicopters</keyword>, customised for coastal security, from the <keyword id="86569" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Aeronautics-Limited">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL) on Friday. The Mark-III Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is meant for coastal security. Out of the 16 Mk-III helicopters, HAL delivered three to Indian <keyword id="42407" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Navy">Navy</keyword> Chief Admiral Karambir Singh at Aero India. The helicopters are fully loaded multi mission helicopter is fitted with an array of advanced sensors. This will augment the Navy's responsibility for coastal security placed on it by the government after 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed the lives of 166 people and left 300 others injured. The helicopter features a full glass cockpit with HAL's Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful "Shakti" (Safran Ardiden 1H1) <keyword id="240487" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="engines">engines</keyword>, and a host of new systems. The Indian Navy had ordered 16 Mk-III to supplement its ageing and depleting fleet of Alouettes (Chetaks) - from HAL. These helicopters have come up with latest-generation avionics and role equipment. It is primarily meant for use in a shore-based role. The Mk-III ALH are also equipped with an indigenous low frequency dunking sonar (LFDS) developed by Kochi-based Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory. The sonar's units are being produced by state-owned <keyword id="91484" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Electronics-Limited">Bharat Electronics Limited</keyword> with a host of sub-vendors downstream. The aircraft has also a nose-mounted surveillance radar with 270-degree coverage that can detect, classify and track multiple marine targets. It also has synthetic-aperture radar, inverse synthetic-aperture radar, and moving target indication classification functions. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/how-big-is-indias-debt-and-should-it-be-a-worry/articleshow/80688623.cms">How big is India's debt and should it be a worry?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-you-arent-being-able-to-apply-for-brookfield-reit-ipo-through-zerodha-groww-angel-broking-and-other-stockbroking-apps/articleshow/80686457.cms">Here's why you aren't being able to apply for Brookfield REIT IPO through Zerodha, Groww and other stockbroking apps</a>

Indian Navy receives three Advanced Light Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Finland became NATO's 31st member in April, but it has long worked closely with the alliance.</li><li>Finns are adept at winter warfare, an area of focus for militaries worried about the Arctic.</li></ul>One of the biggest shifts in European security prompted by the war in Ukraine has been Sweden's and Finland's decision to abandon non-alignment and apply to NATO.After intense diplomacy, Finland officially joined the alliance in April, becoming NATO's 31st member. Sweden's application is pending, but officials say it will <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/1/sweden-will-join-nato-soon-joe-biden-promises" target="_blank" rel="noopener">join soon</a>.Adding Finland doubled NATO's border with Russia to about 1,600 miles overnight, moving alliance territory much closer to some of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/finland-sweden-move-nato-closer-to-major-russian-military-bases-2022-5" target="_top">Russia's most sensitive military outposts</a>.While much smaller than its eastern neighbor, Finland has <a href="https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/09/finlands-army-how-strong-is-it-and-can-it-take-on-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a well-equipped military</a> of about 30,000 troops, though in wartime it can call up 250,000 reservists.Where the Finns truly excel is in winter warfare, and even the US special-operations community is taking lessons from Finnish commandos.<h2>The Utti Jaeger Regiment</h2><div type="image" title="Finland Utti Jaeger Regiment" height="1333" width="2000" msid="101350897" hostid="261" sizebytes="435544"></div>Among the Finnish military's small professional force, the Utti Jaeger Regiment stands out. Its nearly 700 professional and conscript troops are divided into a headquarters unit and three components.The Special Jaeger Battalion focuses on special reconnaissance, direct action, and unconventional-warfare missions. The battalion comprises a company of paratroopers that is largely composed of conscripts and a special Jaeger company of professional troops.The regiment also has a helicopter battalion that supports Finland's special operators. The battalion operates 20 NH90 medium transport helicopters and seven MD500 light transport helicopters.Finally, the regiment's support battalion provides logistical support to Finland's special operators. It also trains Finnish conscripts to perform support tasks.The Utti Jaeger Regiment takes part in about 40 "<a href="https://maavoimat.fi/en/utti-jaeger-regiment/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">executive assistance tasks</a>," which likely includes training and real-world missions, each year. But where the Utti Jaeger Regiment really shines is in winter warfare.<h2>Arctic operations</h2><div type="image" title="Army Green Berets Finland Utti Jaeger Regiment" height="1333" width="2000" msid="101350899" hostid="261" sizebytes="235042"></div>In March, <a href="https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/cutting-the-mustard-in-special-forces-becoming-a-green-beret/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Army Special Forces soldiers</a> trained with the Utti Jaeger Regiment on winter operations in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region.Green Berets are no strangers to harsh conditions. The Special Operations Winter Mountain Operator Course, held twice a year at Fort Carson in Colorado, tests the ability of US special-operations troops to fight at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/417521/special-operations-winter-mountain-operator-course" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high altitude and </a><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/417521/special-operations-winter-mountain-operator-course" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in</a><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/417521/special-operations-winter-mountain-operator-course" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> severe weather</a>. Green Berets also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-army-special-operations-would-pay-off-in-arctic-war-2021-4" target="_top">train regularly in Alaska</a> alongside other <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seals-army-green-berets-train-for-frigid-arctic-battlefield-2022-5" target="_top">elite </a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seals-army-green-berets-train-for-frigid-arctic-battlefield-2022-5" target="_top">US military</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seals-army-green-berets-train-for-frigid-arctic-battlefield-2022-5" target="_top"> units</a>.But Finnish forces live in those conditions, and the Special Forces soldiers looked up to them because of it.The Green Berets saw the Utti Jaeger Regiment "as mentors because they operate in this environment, they live here; they're very good at winter warfare, so we look to them on how to do things the right way," an assistant detachment commander with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) said in <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/265442/green_berets_finnish_army_special_forces_train_together_in_arctic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a press release</a>.<div type="image" title="Army Green Berets Finland Utti Jaeger Regiment" height="1333" width="2000" msid="101350901" hostid="261" sizebytes="96970"></div>Winter warfare is not just about patrolling skills, marksmanship, or small-unit tactics. In such an unforgiving environment, troops must work to stay alive. With a narrow margin for error — exposing skin for just a few minutes can be harmful or even deadly — small mistakes can lead to disaster."That one mistake you made with your socks or your glove liners on day one is now making you combat ineffective come day five," the assistant detachment commander said in the release.The US commandos came to the exercise directly after a five-week winter-warfare course at the Swedish Subarctic Warfare Center and applied skills learned there to the training with the Finns.US and Finnish soldiers "linked up and focused on interoperability" and synchronization of standard operating procedures, the assistant detachment commander said. "The exercise focused on deep strike operations, or neutralizing a target deep behind the front line."The 10th Special Forces Group's area of operations is Europe, and Green Berets from the unit work closely with their European counterparts. Indeed, the 10th Special Forces Group has led much of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-developed-version-of-special-forces-q-course-for-ukrainians-2023-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the US's training and advising for Ukrainian special-operations forces</a>.<div type="image" title="Air Force CV-22B Osprey Finland NH90 helicopter Utti Jaeger Regiment" height="1086" width="2000" msid="101350904" hostid="261" sizebytes="89092"></div>Although <a href="https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/04/putin-is-in-a-really-bad-spot-finland-just-joined-nato/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finland</a> just joined NATO, its special-operations forces have worked closely with the alliance for some time, building interoperability that will allow the Utti Jaeger Regiment to get up to NATO standards in almost no time."Working with US forces, I'm really (impressed) with how we went straight from shaking hands to conducting missions in a very short amount of time, which tells a lot about our forces being interoperable and well-suited for combined missions together," a Finnish special-forces soldier assigned to the Special Jaeger Battalion said in the release.The Green Beret training reflects the US Army's increasing focus on Arctic warfare. In 2021, the Army released a strategy document describing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/army-looks-to-allies-partners-to-regain-arctic-military-dominance-2021-4" target="_top">how it planned to defend</a> US national security interests in the region. As a part of that, the Army has solicited help from allies and partners to increase its Arctic warfare capabilities.Although the US special-operations community has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-army-special-operations-would-pay-off-in-arctic-war-2021-4" target="_top">credible Arctic warfare skills</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seals-army-green-berets-train-for-frigid-arctic-battlefield-2022-5" target="_top">has been honing them</a>, the Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Danish militaries have experts with valuable knowledge and experience.The Utti Jaeger Regiment's proficiency in winter warfare and its ability to train US and NATO special operators will only increase the alliance's ability to deter and respond to threats.Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate. He is working toward a master's degree in strategy and cybersecurity at Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies.

US Green Berets are looking to troops from NATO's newest member as 'mentors' for harsh winter combat

Bengaluru, April 1 (IANS) Public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (<keyword id="68124" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="hal" source="Orion">HAL</keyword>) has reported its highest ever revenue of over Rs 24,000 crore (provisional and unaudited) for the financial year ending on March 31. Compared to the previous year's revenues of Rs 22,755 crore, the company has registered a 6 per cent revenue growth. "Despite the challenges of the second wave of Covid-19 during the first quarter of the year and the consequent production loss, the Company could meet the targeted revenue growth with improved performance during the balance period of the year," said R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL. The second wave of Covid-19 had compelled the company to declare a phased lockdown at various divisions during April and May 2021. The employees had put in additional hours in June and July 2021 to compensate for the loss of man hours due to the lockdown. Further, based on the improved financial performance and cash flow position, the <keyword id="13520461" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="credit-rating-agencies-care-ratings" source="Orion">Credit Rating Agencies CARE Ratings</keyword> and <keyword id="1990286" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="icra-limited" source="Orion">ICRA Limited</keyword> have upgraded the Company's credit rating from AA+ Stable to AAA/Stable during the financial year. HAL achieved record revenues through production of 44 new helicopters/aircraft, 84 new engines, overhauling 203 aircraft / helicopters and 478 engines, a statement from HAL noted. Recently, HAL has bagged a contract for production of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (<keyword id="157962" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lch" source="Orion">LCH</keyword>), 10 for <keyword id="6355075" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="iaf" source="Orion">IAF</keyword> and five for the <keyword id="6354416" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-army" source="Orion">Indian Army</keyword> at a cost of Rs 3,887 crore along with Infrastructure sanctions worth Rs 377 crore. Considering the improved financial performance during the financial year, HAL paid an interim dividend of Rs 40 per share representing 400 per cent on the face value of Rs 10 per share during FY 2021-22. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/list-of-bank-holidays-in-april-2022-month/articleshow/90586419.cms">Here is a list of bank holidays in April 2022</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/after-byjus-and-unacademy-vedantu-is-looking-at-offline-centers/articleshow/90584769.cms">Exclusive: After Byju’s and Unacademy, Vedantu is looking to start offline centres</a>

HAL records its highest ever revenue of ₹24,000 crore in FY 2021-22

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The drones and light, portable missiles used in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> have taken a heavy toll on troops and material.</li><li>The spread of such weapons raises doubts about the future role of heavy-duty hardware, including helicopters.</li></ul>Instead of the quick Russian victory that Moscow and much of the world expected, the war in Ukraine has dragged on for nearly four months, with both sides losing thousands of troops and hundreds of aircraft and vehicles.The havoc wreaked by drones and other light, portable weapons has spurred renewed debate about the vulnerability of heavy-duty military hardware on modern battlefields — including helicopters, which are integral part of many militaries plans to maneuver and fight.<h2>The end of an era?</h2><div type="image" title="Ukrainian military helicopter wreck" height="1333" width="2000" msid="92373655" hostid="261" sizebytes="298020"></div>In a recent <a href="https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/opinion-end-air-assault" target="_blank" rel="noopener">column in Aviation Week</a>, defense and aerospace analyst Sash Tusa argued that the technological advances in sensors and anti-aircraft weapons on display in Ukraine is evidence that <keyword id="14255612" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="air-assault" source="Orion">air assault</keyword> and <keyword id="12000449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="helicopter" source="Orion">helicopter</keyword> combat missions in general are becoming less viable.In the opening hours of the invasion, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-failures-in-ukraine-dent-airborne-paratroopers-elite-status-2022-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elite Russian VDV airborne troops tried to capture</a> the Hostomel airbase near Kyiv with an air assault. Dozens of Mi-8 transport helicopters, guarded by Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters, ferried an assault force of paratroopers to the Ukrainian airfield.The Russian air assault was ultimately a failure, as the Russian military failed to reinforce its airhead with follow-on forces and the Ukrainians counterattacked in force.<div type="image" title="Russian paratroopers at Hostomel Airport in Ukraine" height="1125" width="2000" msid="92373657" hostid="261" sizebytes="55798"></div>The failure of that mission — which resembled how the US and other major militaries would conduct air-assault operations — "should have been a shock to many observers," Tusa writes, adding that Ukrainian use of artillery and of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles thwarted Russian efforts to reinforce at Hostomel and have deterred Russian helicopter operations for much of the war.US air-assault doctrine, which the Pentagon has tried to instill in partner forces, including the Afghan and Ukrainian militaries, relies on technological and numerical superiority in advanced weapon systems, which is not representative of the capabilities of US allies and partners.US conventional and special-operations units are accustomed to operating with US air superiority, but that is not the case for almost all other air forces. Indeed, it might not be the case for the US in war with China or <keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword>, which can both field an array of anti-aircraft weapons.<h2>Helicopter wars</h2><div type="image" title="Ukraine military helicopter" height="1334" width="2000" msid="92373659" hostid="261" sizebytes="243220"></div>The airspace over Ukraine is full of threats for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.Long- and medium-range anti-aircraft weapon systems, such as the S-200, -300, and -400, are making high-altitude flights dangerous for both sides. At the same time, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/javelins-stingers-nlaws-help-ukraine-destroy-russian-tanks-aircraft-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">man-portable air-defense systems</a> are making life below 10,000 feet hard for aircrews. Ukrainian forces have even used <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukrainian-troops-shoot-down-russian-helicopter-with-anti-tank-missile-2022-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-tank missiles</a> to shoot down low-flying Russian helicopters.Russia has reportedly lost close to 200 helicopters. Ukrainian aircraft losses are uncertain but likely high. There are several factors behind the heavy losses of rotary-wing assets for both sides.To begin, most rotary-wing operations in Ukraine have taken place during the day. Neither side has the US military's night-flying capabilities, so they have to take the risk of daytime flying. In addition, neither side has potent countermeasures that would help their aircraft fend off incoming threats."They don't have up-to-date aircraft survivability equipment or electronic-warfare technology and countermeasures," retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Greg Coker told Insider.<div type="image" title="Russian special forces soldier drops into a lake from the Mi-17 helicopter during the International Military Technical Forum Army-2018 in Alabino, outside Moscow, Russia, Saturday, June 29, 2019" height="1333" width="2000" msid="92373660" hostid="261" sizebytes="456556"></div>Coker, an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/special-operations-ah6-mh6-helicopters-may-go-out-of-service-2021-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AH-6 Little Bird gunship</a> pilot and author of "<a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDeath-Waits-Dark-Guns-Dont%2Fdp%2F1636253229%2Fref%3Dtmm_pap_swatch_0%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26qid%3D%26sr%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Death Waits in the Dark</a>," spent 30 years in the US military, completing 11 combat deployments with the vaunted <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-the-armys-160-soar-night-stalkers-special-operations-pilots-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment</a>, nicknamed the "Night Stalkers."US military helicopters have special equipment, including active and passive technologies, designed to defeat infrared missiles, like Soviet-origin SA-7 and SA-14 anti-aircraft missiles that are shooting down helicopters in Ukraine today.But as the old military adage says, technology will fail, and pilots need to be prepared to evade anti-aircraft fire by using speed and the terrain."They are not using the terrain to protect themselves. You must fly low and fast, constantly changing direction," said Coker, who appeared in a recent Smithsonian <a href="https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/episodes/52rysr/air-warriors-little-bird-season-10-ep-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">documentary</a> on the AH-6 Little Bird.Finally, the man-portable shouldered fired systems that are being used in Ukraine — including the US-made FIM-92 Stinger that was made famous for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/32-year-anniversary-of-first-stinger-missile-use-in-afghanistan-2018-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inflicting devastating Soviet losses in Afghanistan</a> in the 1980s — are particularly effective.In the absence of competent night-flying capabilities, Ukrainian and Russian pilots could adopt a number of tactics, techniques, and procedures to increase their survivability.<div type="image" title="Russian helicopter wreck in Ukraine" height="1332" width="2000" msid="92373662" hostid="261" sizebytes="826172"></div>"They should utilize available terrain or go to an altitude that allows the helo to be out of range of the systems that are shooting them down — perhaps 5,000 feet," Coker said, adding that "better fire-support coordination with the ground force, if there is one" would help, as would holding off on using helicopters "until they are needed."To be sure, the war in Ukraine is providing important lessons for every military, including the US. In a near-peer conflict with China or Russia, US helicopters would have to operate effectively in contested environments where the adversary has potent air-defense capabilities.US military commanders should expect higher helicopter casualties in such conflicts, but US aviators say that sticking to the basics that have made US aviation so effective could help reduce, if not overcome, future threats."We fight at night and there is no one better. We have the best countermeasures in the world for our helicopters," Coker said. "The best helicopter pilots in the world. We fight at night!"Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate.

The fighting in Ukraine shows the vulnerability of one of modern militaries' most important weapons

Indigenously built Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is going to make its first flight very soon as the developers have overcome a software-related hurdle, which was delaying the launch. 
 As per reports, <keyword id="3618825" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindustan-aeronautics-ltd-made">Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd-made</keyword> 3.1 tonne prototype LUH will replace Cheetah and Chetak fleets of the armed forces. 
The launch will take place in Bengaluru. 
 
"We are now ready to take the chopper in the air. All hurdles have been crossed and now it is only a matter of the right day when all conditions are good for a first flight," a senior official involved in the project told ET. 
 
The LUH is a military project and the works were on since 2008. The testing was done in 2015. 
 The LUH will carry troops and supplies to border areas as presently, the <keyword id="112134" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Armed-Forces">Indian Armed Forces</keyword> require over 200 choppers in its fleet. 
 
The manufacturing of the choppers is expected to begin from 2018. The chopper is powered by a Shakti engine made in collaboration with French company Turbomeca. A new production facility is to be built for the LUH project.

Made-in-India ‘Light Utility Helicopter’ ready for its first flight

The single engine Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) got wings at Defexpo-2020 on Friday after Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation's initial operational clearance to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for its production. HAL CMD R. Madhavan received the initial operational clearance certification from G. Sateesh Reddy, Chairman, DRDO, at the 'Bandhan' programme held at the ongoing <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword> in the presence of Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and others. The move will help armed forces to replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. HAL will be manufacturing indigenously designed and developed helicopters that will meet the operational requirements of armed forces. "This is a momentous occasion for HAL. It reinforces our commitment towards indigenous R&amp;D programmes on self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Indian armed forces. HAL is fully geared to fulfil the requirements of its customers in a time-bound manner," said R Madhavan. Arup Chatterjee, Director, Engineering &amp; R&amp;D, HAL, said the performance of basic configuration of LUH in all terrains and under all weather conditions is satisfactory and that HAL is moving towards the next phase. One LUH Prototype is part of flying display and another is part of static display at the <keyword id="6400946" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="defexpo">DefExpo</keyword> 2020. "Till now three prototypes have been built and cumulatively completed over 550 flights under various terrains and climatic conditions like cold and hot weather, at sea-level and high altitude complying with stringent certification and user requirements," HAL said. HAL said the helicopter's endurance and reliability were established during the hot weather and high-altitude trials wherein LUH was ferried from Bengaluru, covering over 7000 km and continuously flying for 17 days without any abnormality. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/defexpo-2020-will-be-an-opportunity-for-domestic-defence-companies-to-prove-their-might-to-woo-foreign-firms/articleshow/73936870.cms">DefExpo 2020 will be an opportunity for domestic defence companies to prove their might to woo foreign firms</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-will-be-picking-up-ai-enabled-military-tech-from-south-korea-at-the-defexpo-2020/articleshow/73933364.cms">India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India’s defence sector for partnerships</a>

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