India's Prachand Helicopter Development Progresses, Forces Seek Upgrades and Expansion

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is moving forward with the domestically produced HAL Prachand attack helicopter, but has requested improvements to the platform before a major deployment, a senior IAF official confirmed.

Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit stated that 15 early production Prachand helicopters are being evaluated by the IAF and Indian Army, with some "minor issues" identified. HAL, the helicopter's manufacturer, is working to address these concerns. Additionally, the IAF and Army want further upgrades to the Prachand's combat abilities.

Despite the needed enhancements, India's armed forces are enthusiastic enough about the Prachand's performance that they have requested 156 additional helicopters from the Ministry of Defence. These helicopters are crucial for strengthening India's border defense capabilities against China, particularly in high-altitude zones.

The requested upgrades focus on expanding the Prachand's weapons options, making it more adaptable to different combat situations. The IAF and Indian Army's desire for a larger, improved Prachand fleet demonstrates their trust in the helicopter's value to India's defense, especially in border regions.

 

[Vinod Kaka]

We never used combat helis. Why the need for this suddenly ?

Who told you we never use combat helis . But the fact of the matter is that we are operating with Mi25 helicopters Gunships since late 80s & also Mi35 gunships since early 90s and not just that we used them during operation Pawan in 1988 in Srilanka against the LTTE & their bases & logistics camps and later on we used Mi35 in jammu kashmir in counter insurgency operation named as operation Sarpvinash against insurgents hideouts & base camps located at Pir Panjal mountain ranges with every optimal results & favourable outcomes. & not just that even during operation Paraakram in 2002 Mi25/35 regular sorties along international border in jammu pathankot sector front deterd the pakistani forward military installations & armour deployed upfront to not to do any misadventures based on any miscalculation which might cost them dearly with Mi25/35 calling the shots upfront in the indian skies where even before IAF Fighter jets came into operational equations the IAF helicopters gunships could have caused serious damages on adversary armour columns.

 

[Torontodude]

Earlier we had the Marathi doctrine. That was more defensive in nature and its result was seen after the attack on Parliament. Since then we started with the cold start doctrine. We have already inducted Rudra in significant numbers. Apache as well. And now Prachand. So it’s not sudden but has been going on for well over a decade.

Marathi doctrine...kuch bhi, lol. Earlier it was the khangress doctrine, and now very different leadership. Mi35 has been part of IAF for a long time.

 

[Anurag]

That’s why HAL is slowly being sold off. 25% already sold off since 2018, with more share sales on proposal.

Why slowly being sold off?? Why in equity??
Why delaying, It can be sold to private ownership just like Air India?? And after performing so poorly(cash cow of gov) it still getting massive orders!!

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Can we not manufacture our own gatling guns? Why do we need to import something as basic as that?

 

[Prashu Sam]

Earlier we had the Marathi doctrine. That was more defensive in nature and its result was seen after the attack on Parliament. Since then we started with the cold start doctrine. We have already inducted Rudra in significant numbers. Apache as well. And now Prachand. So it’s not sudden but has been going on for well over a decade.

What is Marathi Doctrine? Are you talking about pre 2001 doctrine which is based on large scale military gathering that failed during Operation Parakram where we lost more soldiers than Kargil war just in troop movement? (GO read Operation Parakram)

The cold start is based on IBG which are integrated Battle Group which also proved to be flawed.

Btw we never had offensive strategy and plans.

 

[bonito]

Who told you we never use combat helis . But the fact of the matter is that we are operating with Mi25 helicopters Gunships since late 80s

Mi25 is used for troop movement . It can carry 14 people. Now tell about Prachand !

 

[Rajesh]

Indian Army wants everything local made with enhancements. They never question the foreign stuff. They accept the foreign stuff or pay heavily for enhancements. That is how Indian Army operates.

All questions asked will be tied to rafale watches type of stuffs by the foreign players .😁.