The first fleet of the indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) named "Prachand" was inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) today in the presence of Defence minister Rajnath Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, reported news agency ANI. CDS General Anil Chauhan was also present during the induction ceremony.
While speaking during the occasion, Defence minister Rajnath Singh said there was always the need of attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force after the Kargil war, and hailed the induction as a "milestone in defence production."
"For a long time, there was a need for attack helicopters & during the 1999 Kargil war, its need was felt seriously. The LCH is a result of research & development for two decades. And its induction into IAF is an important milestone in defence production," said Rajnath Singh during the induction ceremony, as reported by ANI.
He also highlighted the capabilities of the LCH helicopters in difficult terrains and termed it a perfect platform for both, the army and the air force.
"LCH is capable of dodging the enemy, carrying a variety of ammunition, and delivering it to the site quickly. LCH perfectly meets the needs of our armed forces in various terrains and it is an ideal platform for both our Army and Airforce," the Defence Minister was quoted by ANI as saying.
"The induction of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) will enhance our capability and will boost defence production. There could not have been a better timing for LCH induction than Navratri and in the land of warriors," he further said.
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The multi-role LCH platform capable of firing a range of missiles and other weapons has been designed to boost Indian Air Force's combat prowess. In March, the government approved procurement of 15 indigenously developed Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH at a cost of Rs 3,887 crore, reported news agency PTI.