IAF gets new-age indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday inducted the first fleet of indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ”Prachand”, 23 years after the need for such a lethal platform for mountain warfare was felt following the Kargil conflict with Pakistan. Developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine chopper is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20-mm turret guns and rocket systems, and is capable of destroying enemy tanks, bunkers, drones and other assets in high-altitude regions. The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night-attack capability, and is fully capable of even operating in Siachen,…