New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is moving rapidly towards equipping its attack helicopter fleet with indigenous strength. According to defense sources, the Soviet-made Mi-35 helicopter, which has been in service since the 1980s, will be completely retired by 2030. It will be replaced by the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’, which will prove effective against the enemy in high-altitude areas like Ladakh. Defense expert Ajay Mehta says, “Prachand’s lightweight design and modern weapons make it strategically very special.” ‘Prachand’ is a 5.8-tonne helicopter that can fly at an altitude of 6,500 meters. It is equipped with missiles, 20 mm turret guns and rocket pods, which have stealth and precision attack capabilities. The government has approved the purchase of 156 Prachand helicopters for Rs 62,700 crore, of which 90 will go to the Army and 66 to the Air Force. The move not only marks the departure of the Mi-35 but will also reduce dependence on US Apache helicopters.

“Prachanda is a symbol of India’s self-reliant defence policy,” said a HAL official. The retirement of the Mi-35 will be the end of an era, but the Air Force is set to create new history with the Prachanda.