The Light Combat Helicopter LSP is an indigenously-designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern combat helicopter containing approximately 45% indigenous content by value.
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wednesday approved the procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Limited Series Production at the cost of Rs 3,887 crore and okayed infrastructure sanctions worth Rs 377 crore.
The Light Combat Helicopter LSP is an indigenously-designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern combat helicopter containing approximately 45% indigenous content by value which will progressively increase to more than 55% for the series production.
This helicopter is equipped with requisite agility, maneuverability, extended range, high altitude performance and round-the-clock, all-weather combat capability to perform roles of combat search and rescue, destruction of enemy air defence, counter insurgency operations against slow moving aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft, high altitude bunker busting operations, counter insurgency operations in jungles and urban environments and support to ground forces. The helicopter will also be a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
State-of-the-art technologies and systems compatible with stealth features such as reduced visual, aural, radar and IR signatures and crashworthiness features for better survivability have been integrated in the helicopter for deployment in combat roles catering to emerging needs for the next three to four decades.
Several key aviation technologies like glass cockpit and composite airframe structure have been indigenised. The future series production version will consist of further modern and indigenous systems.
The Ministry of Defence in a statement said, “Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, India is continuously growing in its capability to indigenously design, develop and manufacture advanced cutting edge technologies and systems in the defence sector.”
It added, “The manufacturing of LCH by HAL will give a further push to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and boost indigenisation of defence production and the defence industry in the country. Production of LCH will reduce import dependence for combat helicopters in the country. Light Combat Helicopters are already in the import embargo list. With its versatile features built in for combat missions, LCH has export capability.”
