In an effort to further strengthen operational readiness at the volatile Line of Actual Control(LAC)in Ladakh, two indigenously designed and produced light combat helicopter (LCH)are now deployed in Leh. They will back up the IAF efforts to secure the border and plug gaps if any at high altitude.
The helicopters manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) are there to be pushed into service to support the IAF at any spot at the border at short notice, HAL officials said on Wednesday.
“It is the lightest attack helicopter in the world designed and developed by the HAL to meet the specific and unique requirements of Indian Armed Forces reflecting the crucial role of HAL in Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” said R Madhavan, Chief Managing Director, HAL.
Last week, Vice Chief of IAF, Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora took part in one such operation in Ladakh along with HAL test pilot, Wing Commander Subash P John (Retired) by taking-off from high altitude location to a forward area for a simulated attack on a high-altitude target.
This was followed by a landing at one of the most treacherous helipads in the region. The LCH successfully demonstrated its quick deployment prowess to forward locations in extreme temperatures, the HAL said.
The IAF and Army together need around 160 LCHs and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved an initial batch of 15 LCHs. The IAF has since issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) helicopters(10 for IAF and five for Army) and the HAL has submitted its response.
Technical evaluation and the price negotiations have been concluded and the order is expected shortly, the HAL said adding as a proactive measure it has launched production of LSPs in anticipation of orders at its Bengaluru facility.
The indigenously manufactured helicopter is a potent weapon platform with state-of-the-art systems and highly accurate weapons capable of hitting any type of target by day or night.
Other features of the LCH include its ability to operate in the complete ‘Area of Responsibility’ (AOR) and altitudes and has the ability to carry adequate weapon load at high altitudes under varied conditions.
The latest deployment comes in the backdrop of the five newly arrived Rafale fighter jets now undertaking practice sorties in Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain. The state shares LAC with China.
After the familiarisation sorties in the rugged mountain terrain of Himachal Pradesh, the Rafales are likely to conduct practice flights in Ladakh in the coming weeks, sources said. The Rafales came to India from France on July 29 and are now undergoing paces in Indian conditions. The jets are stationed at the Ambala air base.
Given the ongoing tension at the LAC with more than three-month old stand-offs and the Chinese increasing its military strength there, the IAF has also taken measures like deploying most of its frontline fighter jets at the forward bases all along the 4,000 km long LAC. They include SU-30s, Jaguars and MIG-29s.
The newly inducted Apache attack helicopters along with Chinook heavy lift transport helicopters are also flying regular sorties near the LAC in Ladakh.
