Published: 27 February 2026Science & Technology
HAL LCH Prachand: 156-Unit Order Worth ₹62,700 Crore; Operates Above 5,000 Metres
Following President Murmu's historic sortie, details emerged about the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand's capabilities. HAL has received a contract for 156 units worth ₹62,700 crore. The Prachand is the only attack helicopter in the world that can operate above 5,000 metres altitude.
Key specifications: maximum speed 268 kmph, armament includes a 20mm turret gun, 70mm rockets, air-to-air missiles and anti-tank guided missiles. The helicopter is powered by twin Shakti engines developed jointly with Safran (France). It is designed for Indian conditions, particularly the Siachen glacier and high-altitude border areas. Rajasthan's Jaisalmer serves as a key desert operations base for the IAF.
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Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Linked questionMedium
At what altitude is the LCH Prachand capable of operating?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe official release describes the LCH Prachand as India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter with the capability to operate at an altitude of over 5,000 metres. Hence, among the given choices, option B is the defensible answer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the **HAL LCH Prachand** and what is the **156-unit order** worth?
The **HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand** is India's indigenously developed attack helicopter; the **156-unit order worth ₹62,700 crore** is for Indian Army and Air Force, produced by **Hindustan Aeronautics Limited**.
What is the **LCH Prachand's** capability to operate **above 5,000 metres**?
**HAL LCH Prachand** is uniquely designed for **high-altitude operations above 5,000 metres**, making it capable of operations in the **Siachen Glacier and Ladakh** — a capability highlighted by the Ministry of Defence for high-altitude operations.
What weapons does the **HAL Prachand LCH** carry?
The **LCH Prachand** is armed with a **20mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, rockets**, and can carry **anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs)**, making it a formidable attack helicopter for close air support.
What is the significance of the **₹62,700 crore HAL LCH order** for India's defence industry?
The **₹62,700 crore LCH order** is one of the largest helicopter procurement contracts in India's history and a major boost for **HAL** under the **Make in India** defence programme, supporting domestic aerospace capability.
How does **HAL LCH Prachand** compare to the **AH-64 Apache** and other attack helicopters?
Unlike the **Apache**, the **LCH Prachand** is specifically optimised for **high-altitude mountain warfare**; while the Apache excels in flat terrain, Prachand's design allows operations from high-altitude bases close to India's borders.
