Team TrickyScribe: In a landmark move to strengthen India’s aerial combat capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 28, 2025, signed two major contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand. Valued at ₹62,700 crore, these contracts mark a significant leap in India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The first contract involves the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the second ensures 90 LCHs for the Indian Army. These helicopters, tailored for high-altitude warfare, will be delivered in phases over the next five years, with supplies commencing in the third year.
‘Prachand’ – The Backbone of High-Altitude Warfare
The LCH Prachand, India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, can operate at extreme altitudes of over 5,000 meters, making it ideal for deployment in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. With 65% indigenous components, the project will engage over 250 domestic companies, primarily MSMEs, generating over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.
This contract aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, reducing reliance on foreign defence imports and bolstering India’s Make in India initiative.
IAF’s First Wet-Leased Flight Refuelling Aircraft
In another key development, the MoD signed a contract with Metrea Management for wet leasing a Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA). This KC-135 aircraft, set to be delivered within six months, will provide essential air-to-air refuelling training to pilots of both the IAF and the Indian Navy. This move enhances the operational endurance of India’s fighter fleet.
With these three contracts, the MoD has now signed 193 defence contracts in 2024-25, totaling a record ₹2,09,050 crore, nearly double the previous highest annual figure. Notably, 92% of these contracts have been awarded to domestic industries, emphasizing India’s commitment to indigenous defence production.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan at IIT Kanpur’s Techkriti 2025
Parallel to these developments, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival, at IIT Kanpur. Addressing students and young innovators, Gen Chauhan highlighted the critical role of technology in modern warfare and the need for advancements in cyber, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cognitive warfare.
In a Fireside Chat, the CDS underscored the importance of strategic adaptability, resilience, and innovation in tackling future security challenges. His address aimed to inspire students and NCC cadets to pursue careers in defence and technology.
Defence Innovation at Techkriti 2025
The event witnessed participation from Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur. This year’s theme, “Panta Rhei” (Everything Flows), emphasized the ever-evolving nature of technology and innovation.
A key highlight was ‘Rakshakriti’, a dedicated Defence Expo, showcasing cutting-edge military technology. Gen Chauhan interacted with researchers and industry leaders, emphasizing collaboration between academia, the armed forces, and the defence sector. The expo featured innovations such as autonomous drones and AI-powered surveillance systems, reinforcing India’s drive toward technological self-sufficiency in defence.
With historic defence procurement deals and a forward-looking emphasis on technological synergy, India is taking decisive steps toward modernizing its armed forces and securing its strategic frontiers.
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