The Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday approved the purchase of 15 indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) at a cost of Rs 3,887 crore. The Defense Ministry said that 10 helicopters will be for the Indian Air Force and five for the Indian Army.
“CCS has approved the procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Limited Series Production at a cost of Rs 3,887 crore as well as infrastructure systems for Rs 377 crore,” the ministry said. The Light Combat Helicopter Limited Series Production (LSP) is an indigenously developed combat helicopter with about 45 per cent indigenous material in terms of cost which will grow to more than 55 per cent in the future.
The helicopter is equipped with requisite efficiency, maneuverability, extended range, high altitude flight performance and all-weather combat capability. These include search and rescue (CSAR) at combat level, destroy enemy air defense (DEAD) and counter insurgency (CI) operations.