The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand, along with training and associated equipment. The agreements are valued at INR 627 billion (excluding taxes). The first contract covers 66 helicopters for the Indian Air Force, while the second includes 90 for the Indian Army.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third year and continue over five years. HAL plans to achieve an indigenous content of over 65% in the production of these helicopters. The project will involve more than 250 domestic companies, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises, and is expected to generate approximately 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Metrea Management for the wet leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to provide air-to-air refuelling training for pilots of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Metrea is expected to provide a KC-135 aircraft within six months.
According to the Ministry of Defence, 193 contracts have been signed in the 2024-25 financial year, with a total value exceeding INR 2.09 trillion. Of these, 177 contracts, valued at INR 1.689 trillion, have been awarded to domestic companies.