Jodhpur: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday inducted the first fleet of indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine gunship chopper is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret guns, rocket systems and other weapons.
The LCH has been developed primarily for mountain warfare after a requirement for it was felt during the Kargil war in 1999. The fleet comprising four helicopters was inducted into the IAF at a ceremony at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other senior military officials.
In his address, Rajnath Singh described the induction of the indigenously-built LCH into the IAF as a "momentous occasion" for India's defence production. "The IAF has been playing an important role in protecting India's sovereignty and I am confident that its overall capability will enhance further following induction of LCH," Singh said in his address.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the capabilities of LCH are on a par with the helicopters of its class globally. The helicopters were given a traditional water-canon salute that followed a multi-religious prayer ceremony.
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The LCH is equipped with requisite agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, high altitude performance and all-weather combat capability to perform a range of roles including combat search and rescue (CSAR), destruction of enemy air defence (DEAD) and counter-insurgency (CI) operations. (with agency inputs)
