COAS General Upendra Dwivedi Flies Prachand Sortie, Reinforces Indigenous Defence Capabilities
In a significant demonstration of India's commitment to self-reliance in defence, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), recently conducted a sortie aboard the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand during a visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. This visit underscores the Indian Army's evolving battlefield doctrine and its focus on indigenous platforms to enhance operational readiness in modern warfare scenarios.
Review of Indigenous Aviation Platforms
General Dwivedi's visit to HAL's Bengaluru facility was aimed at comprehensively reviewing the Indian Army's aviation capabilities. He assessed key areas including production lines, maintenance protocols, upgrade initiatives, and overall operational preparedness. The review highlighted platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and the LCH Prachand, both of which are domestically developed and integral to India's defence strategy.
The sortie on the Prachand provided the Army Chief with a firsthand evaluation of the helicopter's performance, particularly in complex terrains like high-altitude regions. This direct assessment reaffirmed confidence in India's ability to deploy indigenous combat systems effectively, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative that promotes self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Prachand's Role in Modern Warfare and Air Littoral Operations
Modern warfare is increasingly extending into low-altitude airspace, often referred to as the air littoral, which is dominated by drones, loitering munitions, and unmanned systems. Control of this zone is crucial for determining the outcomes of ground battles. The LCH Prachand, as India's first indigenously designed attack helicopter, is specifically built to operate in this layer, with capabilities for high-altitude missions above 6,000 metres, making it suitable for deployment along sensitive areas like the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Equipped for missions such as close air support, anti-armour operations, and armed reconnaissance, the Prachand's design allows it to function in varied combat conditions, from deserts to mountainous regions. This versatility enhances the Indian Army's tactical advantage in diverse operational environments.
Integration of Advanced Anti-Tank Guided Missiles
The visit also emphasized the integration of advanced weapon systems like HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) and Dhruvastra, which are third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). HELINA is the Army version, while Dhruvastra is used by the Indian Air Force, both deployable from platforms such as ALH Rudra and LCH Prachand.
These missiles feature an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for target tracking, enabling operations in day and night conditions. With a strike range from approximately 500 metres to over 7 kilometres, they are capable of direct hit and top-attack modes, making them effective against modern tanks, including those with explosive reactive armour. HELINA has entered induction into the Indian Army, with initial production orders placed for frontline units, while Dhruvastra has been cleared for induction into the Indian Air Force after successful trials.
Boosting Anti-Armour Capabilities and Future Prospects
The combination of indigenous helicopters like Prachand and advanced ATGMs such as HELINA and Dhruvastra significantly strengthens India's anti-armour capabilities. This marks a strategic shift from reliance on imported systems to domestic production of both platforms and weapons, enhancing precision strike abilities against armoured targets across varied terrains and conditions.
Future orders for these systems are expected to increase in phases, as per a March 2025 notification, depending on the induction of additional LCH Prachand helicopters and other platforms. This development aligns with India's broader defence doctrine, driven by technological advancements and lessons from recent conflicts, ensuring that the armed forces remain prepared for evolving threats.
General Dwivedi's visit and sortie not only highlight the progress in indigenous defence manufacturing but also reinforce the Indian Army's commitment to leveraging homegrown technology for national security. As India continues to push for self-reliance under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, such efforts are pivotal in shaping a robust and modern defence ecosystem capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
