The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved procurement of 15 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Limited Series Production (LSP) at the cost of Rs. 3,887 crore along with infrastructure sanctions worth Rs. 377 crore.

Of the 15 helicopters, 10 are for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and five for the Army. The LCH is designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). The IAF has sought 65 LCH and the Army 114.

“The LCH LSP is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern combat helicopter containing approximately 45% indigenous content by value which will progressively increase to more than 55% for series production version,” the Defence Ministry said.

Export capability

Noting that light combat helicopters are already in the import embargo list, the Ministry said production of the LCH will reduce import dependence for combat helicopters.

“With its versatile features built in for combat missions, the LCH has export capability,” it said.

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