LIGHT COMBAT HELICOPTERS (LCHs)

About:

• Ten LCHs will be inducted in the first batch completing one unit.
• The IAF is still working out the total number of LCHs to be acquired, the official stated.
• The IAF operates the older Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters, of which one squadron has been phased out following the induction of 22 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
• The existing Mi-35 squadron is in the process of being sent for overhaul which will extend its life by many years.
• The Army had already raised its first LCH squadron on June 1 in Bengaluru. The unit will move to the Eastern Command along the Line of Actual Control (LCH) on completion of the raising next year.
• The Army plans to acquire 95 LCHs of which seven units, each having 10 helicopters, are planned to be deployed for combat role in the mountains.
• The LCH is the first dedicated attack helicopter of the Army, which otherwise operates 75 Rudra helicopters, the weaponised variant of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter.