Rajnath Singh takes a sortie in LCH
Jodhpur: Indigenously-built light combat helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' was inducted into the Indian Air Force at Jodhpur air force station. On the occasion, the Indian Air Force received the first batch of four Choppers.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari had graced the induction ceremony.
Rajnath Singh with senior military officials
Moment after its induction, Rajnath Singh christened the chopper as as "Prachand" (fierce) and said the platform, capable of operating in day and night, will significantly boost the force’s combat capabilities.
The minister also stated that the chopper can hit enemy targets with precision.
Rajnath Singh after taking sortie in LCH
Rajnath Singh, also flew a sortie in the LCH Prachand and said it can operate in all possible conditions, and is among one of the best globally in its class.
Its induction will add unique capability to the combat potential of the Indian Air Force and marks a new chapter, said Air Chief Marshal (ACM) VR Chaudhari.
“The induction of LCH underlines the fact that just as the country trusts the IAF, the IAF equally trusts the indigenous equipment,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who presided over the induction ceremony.
Stating that the LCH met the requirements of modern warfare and necessary quality parameters under varied conditions of operations, Rajnath Singh said it fully met the requirements of both the Army and the Air Force.
Last week, the Indian Army had formally received its first LCH in Bengaluru.
“The LCH is at par or better than similar attack helicopters available globally. Selection of the Unit have been specifically selected based on professional competence to ensure quick operationalisation,” ACM Chaudhari said.
