The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively engaged in a significant modernisation programme to overhaul its rotary-wing combat capabilities.
In a strategic move to align with contemporary warfare requirements, the IAF is preparing to retire its fleet of Soviet-origin Mi-35 attack helicopters.
These legacy machines will be replaced by the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), formally known as the Prachand, which is designed specifically for high-altitude warfare.
End of the 'Flying Tank' Era
According to defence sources, the complete phase-out of the Mi-35 fleet is targeted for the 2030–2031 timeframe. This will mark the conclusion of nearly four decades of service by Russian heavy attack helicopters in India.The Mi-25 and Mi-35, often referred to as "flying tanks" due to their heavy armour and unique ability to transport troops while providing fire support, were inducted in the 1980s and 1990s.
While some units have already been retired or gifted to friendly nations—such as the four helicopters donated to Afghanistan in previous years—the remaining fleet continues to serve.
However, military planners have determined that these robust but heavy platforms lack the agility and stealth required for the modern battlefield, particularly in mountainous terrain.
The Rise of the Prachand
As the Soviet-era helicopters bow out, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Prachand is set to take centre stage. The Prachand is a dedicated multi-role combat helicopter tailored for India’s unique geographical challenges.Unlike the Mi-35, the Prachand was born out of specific requirements identified after the 1999 Kargil War, where the need for an armed helicopter capable of operating at extreme heights was felt acutely.
It is currently the only attack helicopter in the world capable of landing and taking off at altitudes of 5,000 metres (16,400 feet). This capability makes it indispensable for securing the Siachen Glacier and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
The Prachand features advanced avionics, stealth features to reduce its radar signature, and the Shakti engine, which is optimised for high-altitude performance.
A Strategic Fleet Mix
The retirement of the Mi-35s does not leave a vacuum.The IAF currently operates 22 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters, which were inducted between 2019 and 2021. The Apaches serve as heavy "tank-busters" and offer advanced precision strike capabilities.
The future combat helicopter fleet will rely on a strategic mix of these heavy American Apaches and the agile indigenous Prachands.
To facilitate this, the Ministry of Defence has cleared the procurement of 156 Prachand helicopters. Of these, 66 are earmarked for the Indian Air Force, while the remaining 90 will join the Indian Army's aviation corps.
Deliveries for this major order are scheduled to ramp up significantly starting in 2028.
This timeline ensures that as the older Mi-35s are gradually withdrawn from service, the operational gaps are immediately filled by the incoming indigenous platforms, ensuring India's defence posture remains robust and self-reliant.
