Mega Boost For Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Modi Govt Clears Biggest Ever Defence Deal for 156 Choppers

Mega Boost For Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the purchase of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Rs 62,000 crore. This marks the largest order ever received by HAL. The helicopters will be manufactured at HAL's facilities in Bengaluru and Tumkur, Karnataka.

The Ministry of Defence recently signed a deal with Metrea Management for the wet leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to provide air-to-air refuelling training to IAF and Indian Navy pilots.  Metrea will provide FRA (KC135 Aircraft) within six months, making it the first FRA wet-leased by the IAF.

The Indian Army will acquire 90 of these helicopters, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive 66. These aircraft will be deployed for operations along the borders with China and Pakistan, enhancing India's defence capabilities.

"The 156 choppers would be divided between the Indian Army (90) and the Indian Air Force for operations along the China and Pakistan borders and would be a major step towards creating jobs and expanding the aerospace ecosystem within the country," defence sources told ANI.

HAL won the tender for these helicopters in June last year, with the IAF acting as the lead agency for this joint procurement.

LCH Prachand Features

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. Onboard advanced navigation systems, guns tailored for close combat, and potent air-to-air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield.

Capable of operating from high-altitude terrain and carrying out precision strikes at high-altitude targets, the helicopter is a formidable addition to the IAF’s arsenal.

MoD's Total Number Of Contracts

Following the signing of these three contracts, the Ministry of Defence's total number of contracts signed during 2024-25 reached 193, with an overall contract value exceeding Rs 2,09,050 crore, which is the most ever and nearly double the previous record figure.  Out of these, 177 (92%) are for domestic industry, with a total contract value of Rs 1,68,922 crore (81%).