Attack Helicopter
HAL LCH Prachand
The HAL LCH Prachand is India’s indigenous light attack helicopter, designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru and based on the ALH Dhruv. It was formally inducted at Jodhpur on 3 October 2022.
India|Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)Overview
The programme was formally approved in 2006 and the helicopter first flew on 29 March 2010. The first Limited Series unit flew in 2016. Two HAL and Safran Shakti 1H1 turboshafts of about 1,000 kW each give a top speed near 268 km/h, a range of about 550 km and a ceiling of about 6,500 m. It has landed at about 4,800 m in tests, so it can operate at Siachen and Ladakh altitudes. It has an armoured airframe, crashworthy landing gear and a night-vision-capable cockpit.
The first 15 Limited Series helicopters went to the Indian Air Force (10) and Army (5). In March 2025 India signed a contract for 156 LCH, 66 for the IAF and 90 for the Army, worth about 62,700 crore rupees, around 7.5 billion US dollars, with deliveries from around 2027 at about 30 per year. Armament includes a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets, Mistral air-to-air missiles and anti-tank missiles. Units were deployed to Ladakh during the 2020 standoff with China, with no combat firing reported.
Key Specifications
Variants
The LCH Limited Series is the first batch of 15 helicopters delivered to the IAF and Army.
The LCH Prachand (IOC) is the version that reached initial operational clearance and was inducted in 2022.
The LCH Prachand (series) is the production version covered by the 2025 contract for 156 helicopters.
Operators
IndiaFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the LCH Prachand cost?
The HAL LCH Prachand costs an estimated 40 to 50 million US dollars per helicopter, based on Indian press dividing the 2025 contract value by quantity. This is not an official unit price.
How many LCH Prachand will India get?
India signed in March 2025 for 156 HAL LCH Prachand helicopters, 66 for the Air Force and 90 for the Army. Deliveries start around 2027 at about 30 per year.
How fast is the LCH Prachand?
The HAL LCH Prachand has a maximum speed of about 268 km/h. Its range is about 550 km, its ceiling is around 6,500 m and it has a crew of two.
LCH Prachand vs Apache: what is the difference?
The HAL LCH Prachand is a lighter, lower-cost high-altitude helicopter, while the AH-64E Apache is a heavier attack helicopter. India operates 22 Apaches and sees the LCH as a complement.
LCH Prachand vs T129 ATAK: which is better?
The TUSAŞ T129 ATAK is heavier than the HAL LCH Prachand and is exported, including to the Philippines and Nigeria. The Prachand is optimised for high-altitude operations in the Himalayas.
Can the LCH Prachand fly at high altitude?
The HAL LCH Prachand can operate at Siachen and Ladakh altitudes, and tests included landing at about 4,800 m. Its service ceiling is around 6,500 m.