The Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has formalised two agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the procurement of 156 Prachand mild fight helicopters (LCH), together with requisite coaching and ancillary tools, at a price of Rs627bn ($7.33bn) earlier than taxes.
The preliminary settlement stipulates the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Power (IAF), whereas the next one requires 90 LCHs to be provided to the Indian Military.
The distribution of those helicopters is about to start within the third 12 months following the signing, and proceed over a span of 5 years. These contracts are anticipated to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces in high-altitude environments.
The LCH represents India’s inaugural enterprise into domestically conceptualised and produced fight helicopters able to operations exceeding altitudes of 5,000m.
It incorporates a major proportion of elements sourced and fabricated inside India, with a goal to realize greater than 65% home content material all through this acquisition course of.
The venture is anticipated to contain upwards of 250 native enterprises, predominantly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and is projected to create in extra of 8,500 jobs straight and not directly.
Moreover, the MOD confirmed an association with Metrea Administration for the moist lease of a flight refuelling plane (FRA) meant for facilitating air-to-air refuelling instruction for pilots from each the IAF and Indian Navy.
Metrea is tasked with delivering an FRA (KC135 plane), the IAF’s inaugural wet-leased FRA, inside six months.
With these three agreements concluded, the MOD’s contract signings for fiscal 12 months 2024–25 have escalated to a complete of 193, cumulatively valued at greater than Rs2090.5bn. This record-setting sum practically doubles that of any prior peak determine recorded.
Of those contracts, home trade accounts for 177 (92%) with an combination worth amounting to Rs1,689.22bn (81%).
It’s going to present the plane primarily based out of Indian Air Power Station Agra within the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Metrea Strategic Mobility head James Slim Morgan mentioned: “Metrea is honoured to be working with the Indian Air Power.
“Our contract will shortly broaden their AAR coaching functionality and can facilitate intensive coaching, train and motion alternatives to enhance IAF readiness.”
In July, Metrea introduced the acquisition of the French Air & Area Power’s C-135FR and KC-135RG tanker fleet, which has expanded its business AAR market presence, including 14 tankers to its current fleet of 4 KC-135R plane.
The tankers from Metrea are fitted with two multi-point refuelling system pods on the wings, enabling them to refuel plane outfitted with probes, similar to these utilized by the US Navy, Marine Corps and allied nations.
Moreover, the IAF has introduced its participation in Train INIOCHOS-25, a multinational air train hosted by the Hellenic Air Power.
Scheduled from 31 March to 11 April 2025 at Andravida Air Base in Greece, the IAF will deploy Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 tankers and C-17 transport plane.
The train will characteristic built-in air and floor operations from 15 international locations, providing a practical simulation of latest air warfare challenges.
