In a move to bolster its offensive capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Army is preparing for the permanent deployment of its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) squadrons in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh by 2024-25.
This strategic decision comes as tensions with China continue to simmer, and underscores the Army's commitment to enhancing its combat readiness in challenging terrains.
The LCH, indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is specifically designed to operate in the rarefied air and extreme weather conditions prevalent in the Himalayas.
Its induction into the Army's aviation wing marks a significant upgrade from its traditional reliance on utility helicopters, providing a dedicated attack platform for high-altitude warfare.
This initiative gained momentum in November 2022, with the formation of the first LCH squadron, 351 Army Aviation, and its subsequent deployment to Missamari, Assam, near the LAC in the Eastern sector.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has further greenlit the procurement of 156 LCHs, with 90 designated for the Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force. This substantial order, valued at approximately ₹45,000 crore, is in addition to the 15 limited series production LCHs already being acquired.
The LCH's capabilities are tailored to the unique demands of high-altitude combat. Equipped with advanced avionics, precision targeting systems, and a variety of weapons, the LCH can effectively engage enemy targets at altitudes up to 15,000 feet. This operational advantage is crucial in regions like Ladakh, where traditional military equipment often faces performance limitations.
While the Army is also inducting AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for deployment in the western desert regions, their effectiveness in high-altitude environments is limited. "The Apaches are ideal for countering armored threats and will be deployed in desert warfare," a defense official explained, acknowledging the Apache's restricted operational envelope in high-altitude zones.
The LCH is set to complement the Army's existing fleet of 75 Rudra helicopters, the armed variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). These indigenous platforms, also manufactured by HAL, provide a versatile capability for both combat and utility roles.
