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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (<keyword id="19997265" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HAL" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="HAL" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="HAL">HAL</keyword>) and <keyword id="22976652" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Safhal" source="keywords">SAFHAL</keyword> <keyword id="22976651" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="helicopter-engines" source="keywords">Helicopter Engines</keyword> Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have signed an airframer contract, to commence joint design, development, manufacture, and supply and support of a new generation high-power engine named 'Aravalli'. The 'Aravalli' high-power engines are used for the 13-ton Medium Lift class, the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (<keyword id="22979205" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IMRH" source="keywords">IMRH</keyword>) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (<keyword id="22979206" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DBMRH" source="keywords">DBMRH</keyword>), being designed and developed by HAL. The contract was signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL and Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP, Sales and Marketing, <keyword id="22976653" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Safran-Helicopter-Engines" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Safran Helicopter Engines" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Safran Helicopter Engines">Safran Helicopter Engines</keyword> and SK Mehta, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance), HAL. Speaking on occasion, CB Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge), HAL said, "This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India's aerospace and defence sector." He further said that the collaboration will ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms and contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical <keyword id="20825438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-technologies" source="keywords">defence technologies</keyword>. Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines stressed that the combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs while contributing to the growth of India's aerospace and defence sector. "We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL and the strategic relationship between India and France," Cedric Goubet said. Together we remain fully dedicated to our customers in India. We look forward to designing, producing and supporting those new efficient helicopter engines," he added. SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is dedicated to the design, development, production, sales and support of new-generation helicopter engines in India, marks a significant milestone in India's aerospace and defence sector, aiming to enhance the nation's Aatmanirbharta in helicopter engine technology. Under this strategic contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards. Safran Helicopter Engines has been HAL's partner of choice for powering its helicopters, starting with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by the Shakti engine and its variants powering the ALH, LCH and LUH. The present collaboration elevates this relationship to the next level through the joint design and development of modern state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended for application in Medium Lift Helicopters. IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH is also being developed for the Indian Navy. The engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters get deployed. Future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport etc., is also planned followed by MRO activities.

HAL partners with SAFHAL to develop and manufacture 'Aravalli' helicopter engines

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

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><li>The French defence deal gives a boost to HAL, but the opportunity is yet to be visible for Mazagon Dock.</li><li>HAL’s already-developed products have an order pipeline of around $48 billion over 10 years, says PhillipCapital.</li><li>The deal for submarines which can benefit Mazagon Dock needs more clarity, says ICICI Securities. </li></ul>Indian defence sector stocks have been on a bull run in the last few months with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders turning multibaggers. Both these stocks received another big boost from the defence agreements signed by India and France, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the European nation for Bastille Day. Apart from the procurement of Rafale jets, the agreements covered co-operation on the joint development of high-thrust engines for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and joint development of turboshaft engines for Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). HAL: Up in the air To action the deal, French company Safran and HAL will form a joint venture (JV) company to co-design and produce new generation helicopter engines in India. “The first objective is to build the most adequate solution for the future 13-ton IMRH and its naval version Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH),” said a report by ICICI Securities. In addition, the French defence deal includes a transfer of technology to HAL, for forging and casting for Shakti engine, which powers almost the entire indigenous helicopter fleet of India including ALH Dhruv, Rudra, light combat helicopters (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). As per ICICI Securities, these developments enable the execution of critical orders of 140 AMCAs, 175 LUHs and 145 LCHs, which the company is expecting to get in the medium term. Thanks to the positive fallouts from the French agreements and a deal signed with GE earlier in June – for F-414 engines and co-development of high-thrust engines for AMCA – HAL’s stock has a long run-up ahead. “We believe there is a possibility of ramp up in manufacturing revenue for HAL beyond FY26. As a result, we raise our manufacturing revenue growth estimates to 12% (from 8% earlier) beyond FY26,” says ICICI Securities. India’s ageing defence fleet also provides the public sector company with many more opportunities ahead. HAL has an order pipeline of $48 billion spread over the next ten years – for products that it has already developed like LCA Tejas, a supersonic combat aircraft. “The company also benefits from the repair and overhaul programme, which heavily depends on the Sukhoi aircraft fleet, the ALH (advanced light helicopter) fleet, and the recently introduced Hawk aircraft, along with upgrades to the Jaguar and Mirage platforms,” said a report by PhillipCapital. PhillipCapital has placed a target price of ₹3,975 on HAL stock with a neutral rating, but ICICI Securities revised its target price upwards to ₹4,350 after factoring in the latest French deal advantage. The stock is currently trading at ₹3,857. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: The submarine opportunity not visible yet Investments in Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDSL) shares have shot up 6.5 times in the last one year. Like HAL, this Mumbai-based company has a reason to gain from the France deal as it includes ambitious projects to explore the development of the Indian submarine fleet. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the proposal to acquire three French-designed Scorpene-class submarines. These submarines will be constructed by MDSL While the acceptance of necessity (AoN) has been granted, there was no specific mention of three Scorpene submarines in the joint statement issued by PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. An AoN is accorded by the Defence Ministry for a particular weapon system or equipment at the beginning of the procurement process. “Currently, we do not have clarity on the ordering timeline for the new Scorpene submarines. We would keep a tab on further development in this regard. In our view, the actual construction work on the submarine might commence around 18 months after the contract has been signed,” said ICICI Securities. The brokerage has maintained a ‘sell’ rating on the stock with an unchanged target price of ₹600. MDSL is currently trading at ₹1,728. Apart from the possible deal, the company, which has a competitive edge in the sector, has a major overhang. It’s involved in a rent lease disagreement with Mumbai Port Trust, which has raised a demand from the company for four of its plots after finalising its land lease policy. It has sought as much as ₹272 crore plus applicable taxes as upfront payment towards the lease premium and ₹40 crore plus applicable taxes towards the arrears of rent FY06 onwards. MDSL has contested Mumbai Port Trust’s proposal and has recognised an estimated reasonable lease rent in its financial statements. The matter is under discussion at the ministry level between the Department of Defence Production and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/few-indians-are-giving-up-on-tomatoes-despite-red-hot-prices-subsidies-arent-helping-much-shows-survey/articleshow/101920571.cms">Few Indians are giving up on tomatoes despite red hot prices, subsidies aren’t helping much, shows survey</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/wipros-first-quarter-show-points-to-multiple-battles-ahead/articleshow/101753530.cms">Wipro's first quarter show points to multiple battles ahead</a>

The French connection: HAL has most to gain; submarines yet to surface for Mazagon Dock

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

<ul><li>During US President Donald Trump's two-day visit to India a defense deal worth $930 million deal for six new Boeing AH-64 Apache choppers was sealed.</li><li>The new Apache choppers will be inducted into the Indian Army.</li><li>Here's how they measure up against India's own indigenous Light Combat Helicopter being developed by HAL for the Armed Forces.</li></ul>The Boeing AH-64 Apache choppers are some of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-9-best-military-attack-helicopters-in-the-world-2018?IR=T">most advanced in the world</a> and now they will be a part of the Indian Army’s fleet. A $930 million deal was struck between India and the US during President Donald Trump’s 2-day visit to the country. The Apache helicopters will boost the Indian Army’s capabilities of conducting cross-border strikes and provide air support for troops on the ground. It comes armed with an arsenal of weapons like Hellfire Missiles, 70mm rockets and a 30mm automatic cannon. This is a first for the Army that is in dire need of an up-to-date attack helicopter after over a decade of delays with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The LCH, like the AH-64 Apache helicopter, is a multi-role combat helicopter. Derived from the existing HAL Dhruv, the LCH was supposed to have gained initial operating capability (IOC) in December 2010. Ten years down the line, the first chopper is yet to join the Indian Army’s fleet. Here’s how the two stack up against each other:

Here's how the Boeing AH-64 Apache Helicopter stacks up against India's indigenous HAL Light Combat Helicopter

Boeing AH-64 Apache versus HAL Light Combat Helicopter

<ul><li>The <keyword id="158152" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Light-Combat-Helicopter" source="Orion">Light Combat Helicopter</keyword> is developed by <keyword id="139970" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="hindustan-aeronautics-ltd" source="Orion">Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd</keyword> (HAL).</li><li>LCH features armoured-protection systems, night attack capability, 20mm gun, 70mm rocket and missiles.</li><li>It has a top speed of 268kmph and a maximum range of 550km.</li></ul>The Defence Minister of India, <keyword id="6355121" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rajnath-singh" source="Orion">Rajnath Singh</keyword>, inducted an indigenously- developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) into <keyword id="15141" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF). The induction occurred in the presence of the Defence Minister and Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari during the induction Ceremony of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) in Jodhpur. This light combat helicopter has been developed to boost the Indian Air Force's combat prowess as the helicopter is capable of firing a range of missiles and other weapons. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Key features of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)" comment="subhead" text="Key features of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)">Key features of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)</cmsannotation> The Light Combat Helicopter has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). It has been primarily designed for deployment in the high-altitude region. It shares similar traits with the advanced light helicopter Dhruv. It has a number of stealth features, including armoured-protection systems, night attack capability and crash-worthy landing gear. The LCH can be deployed in high-altitude areas and all-weather combat conditions, thanks to requisite agility, manoeuvrability, and extended range. Besides this, the helicopter can also be deployed in high-altitude bunker busting operations, urban environments, counter-insurgency, and combat capabilities to support ground forces. <div type="image" title="Light Combat Helicopter" msid="94613876" hostid="261" sizebytes="51422"></div> Other than these, several key aviation technologies are used in this helicopter, like glass cockpit, crashworthy bottom structure, anti-resonance isolation system, integrated architecture and display system, IR suppressor, helmet-mounted display system and more. Coming to weapon capabilities, it has a 20mm gun, 70mm rocket and missiles. The helicopter can fire air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. This Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) weighs 5,800 Kg, has a range of 550km and has a maximum speed of 268kmph. It is powered by a SHAKTI engine that produces a power of 1032kW. In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Cabinet Committee on Security, which approved the procurement of 15 indigenously developed Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH at the cost of ₹3,887 crores. According to the defence ministry, ten helicopters will be introduced, five for Indian Air Force (IAF) and five for the Indian Army. The helicopter has been tested under stringent operating conditions, such as in the desert and cold Siachen regions. Back in February 2020, the helicopter was declared ready for production. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/ins-vikrant-pm-modi-unveils-indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/slidelist/93944069.cms">PM Modi unveils India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier- INS Vikrant</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/meet-the-former-lieutenant-general-anil-chauhan-the-next-chief-of-defence-staff/slidelist/94530802.cms">Meet the former Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan — the next Chief of Defence Staff</a>

Here’s everything you need to know about the made-in-India lightweight combat helicopter

The <keyword id="15141" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian Air Force</keyword> (<keyword id="6355075" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iaf" source="Orion">IAF</keyword>) will induct the first batch of Made in India <keyword id="158152" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Light-Combat-Helicopter" source="Orion">Light Combat Helicopter</keyword> (LCH) on Monday. The helicopters will be inducted into the IAF inventory at a ceremony in Jodhpur in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari. The induction of these helicopters will be a big boost to the IAF's combat prowess, Rajnath Singh said. "I would be in Jodhpur, Rajasthan tomorrow, 3rd October, to attend the Induction ceremony of the first indigenously developed Light Comat Helicopters (LCH). The induction of these helicopters will be a big boost to the IAF's combat prowess. Looking forward to it", he tweeted. The LCH has been developed by aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), primarily designed for deployment in high-altitude regions. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/infosys-to-lead-it-sectors-q2-show-with-4-revenue-growth-says-jefferies/articleshow/94606976.cms">Infosys to lead IT sector’s Q2 show with 4% revenue growth, says Jefferies</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/real-estate-demand-may-take-a-hit-this-festive-season-after-rbis-rate-hike/articleshow/94555871.cms">Real estate demand may take a hit this festive season after RBI’s rate hike</a>

IAF to induct first batch of indigenously-developed light combat vehicles on Monday

An attack helicopter (AH) is a rotary wing platform with the primary role of engaging targets on the ground such as armored infantry or moving armored vehicles. There heavy armament can include weapons such as auto canons, heavy machine guns, unguided rockets, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM's) like Hellfire and air to air missiles. Apart from the US and Russia, no other country is known for its large inventory of attack helicopters. 
 
 <keyword id="43853" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-military">Indian military</keyword> is having around 390 helicopters with it but only 30 out of them are attack helicopters and rest are the utility and transport helicopters. The reason behind this can be understood by the fact that the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) maintains a fleet of around 250 ground attack aircrafts which more or less serves the same basic purpose of giving close air support to the ground troops. Traditionally India is not known for the love of attack helicopters. Even back in those days, India was using Mil MI-4 and Bell 47G-2 which were utility helicopters for troop movement and rescue operations. 
 
 
The Need 
 
 As of now, Indian Air Force deploys around 20 Mil Mi-35, 7 HAL Rudra and 3 HAL Light combat Helicopters (prototypes). It was the Kargil war of 1999 which fueled the need for helicopters that can operate at such high-altitude conditions with ease. Restricted maneuverability of Mil Mi-35 with high payloads led India to the develop the HAL Light Combat Helicopter and HAL Rudra for multi-role high-altitude combat operations and this can be used by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army's <keyword id="812305" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Aviation-Corps">Aviation Corps</keyword>. On 26 May 2009, the <keyword id="2910012" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Ministry-of-Defense">Indian Ministry of Defense</keyword> invited bids for 22 combat helicopters and 15 heavy-lift helicopters in a deal worth US$2 billion. In 2011, the American AH 64-D Apache Block3 had emerged as the winner ahead of the Russian Mi-28N defense deal for 22 Attack Helicopter and CH47-F Chinook won it for the heavy lift category. IAF is planning to deploy indigenously developed HAL Light Combat Helicopter for its combat operations along with the AH64-D Apache, however the HAL-LCA is in the nascent stage of development and the AH64-D's are yet to be delivered. 
 <keyword id="1376569" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="The-Boeing">The Boeing</keyword> AH-64 Apache is considered as the best attack helicopter which creates havoc in the battlefield. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin turbo shaft attack helicopter with a powerful anti-armour weapon system. The Apache is equipped with state of the art electronic technology and fire control systems. The Apache can be loaded with 16 AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles, 76 70mm folding-fin aerial rockets or a combination of both – in addition to 1,200 30mm rounds for its M230 automatic cannon. There can be the use of fixed and rotary wing aircraft in operations against insurgents and this weapon system can be a force multiplier with the IAF in these special missions. Some experts are however opposing the requirement for the attack helicopters quoting that India has thousands of miles of mountainous borders to defend and attack helicopters are bound to be under-utilized in the mountains with their full payload. Another concern is that the heavy firing of the daytime at low levels can bring down any attack helicopter even with the best armour plantings. With their height ceilings and limited weapon systems, attack helicopters can perform their best in the plains but it is the mountains where it has to face the severest test as a credible force multiplier. Lessons from Vietnam remind that more than 5000 helicopters were lost against a not so powerful enemy. However, technology and weaponry has moved far ahead since then. 
 
The indigenous development 
 
Whatever the debate is, Indian military knows the best. After the Kargil war, India is engaged in developing a rotary weapons platform and has successfully produced the HAL Rudra, which is an armed version of HAL Dhruv. Rudra is equipped with Forward Looking Infra Red and Thermal Imaging Sights Interface, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, ATGM's and Air-to-Air Missiles. Total 27 are there, 20 with army aviation corps and 7 with IAF. 
 
In 2006, HAL announced its plan to design and build LCH. The Indian Air Force is to acquire 65 LCHs and Indian Army is to acquire 114 LCHs. It surpasses the Boeing AH 64-D Apache in terms of range(700kms) and service ceiling(6500mts), however when it comes to the terms of weapon system, it is more like the Eurocopter Tiger and AW 129 Mangusta. Given its service ceilings and range it is well suited for the mountainous terrains with the prospects of further developments. India will go for the full scale production of the HAL LCH's only after 2016 and the prototypes are being tested now. These improvements in the Indian defense manufacturing sector not only fits the “Make in India” program but also takes us a step closer towards the self-sufficiency in defense procurements. 
 
Image credits: Indiatimes (Representation Image)

You Searched For "hal lch" and got 10 results

HAL partners with SAFHAL to develop and manufacture 'Aravalli' helicopter engines

ANI

India approves defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh cr

PTI

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

IANS

The French connection: HAL has most to gain; submarines yet to surface for Mazagon Dock

Katya Naidu

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

IANS

Here's how the Boeing AH-64 Apache Helicopter stacks up against India's indigenous HAL Light Combat Helicopter

Prabhjote Gill

Boeing AH-64 Apache versus HAL Light Combat Helicopter

Here’s everything you need to know about the made-in-India lightweight combat helicopter

Rahul Verma

IAF to induct first batch of indigenously-developed light combat vehicles on Monday

IANS

Dusk and Dawn of the Indian Attack Helicopters

Avinash Kumar

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