Prachand was designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to meet Indian high-altitude attack-helicopter needs.
HAL Prachand, originally the Light Combat Helicopter, is an Indian attack helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The programme drew on experience from the Dhruv advanced light helicopter but focused on a dedicated combat role. India formally inducted the type into the Indian Air Force in 2022, naming it Prachand.
The helicopter combines tandem seating, weapons pylons, sensors, and high-altitude performance for mountain warfare.
Prachand is a twin-engine light attack helicopter with tandem crew seating, sensor systems, a cannon, rockets, and guided-weapon integration. Its design emphasizes performance in high-altitude environments, a key Indian requirement for Himalayan and plateau operations. Airforce Technology describes it as India's first indigenous combat helicopter with ground-attack and aerial-combat capability.
Prachand gives India a domestic attack helicopter for high-altitude fire support, reconnaissance, and escort missions.
Operationally, Prachand is intended for close air support, armed reconnaissance, air defence against slow aerial targets, and escort tasks. Its domestic production supports India's self-reliance goals while providing a platform tailored to local terrain and climate. The helicopter complements heavier attack helicopters rather than simply duplicating them.
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