India Launchs Serang Helicopters: Designed For The Heights, Equipped With A Baja Lapis And Various Missiles

JAKARTA - The Indian Air Force received its first shipment of domestically produced light fighter helicopters on Monday.

Carrying Prachand's name, in Hindi which means fierce, this helicopter was developed by the leading aviation company Hindustan Aeronautics and designed to be placed in the highlands.

Weighing 5.8 tons, these dual-engine helicopters can carry various missiles and are equipped with an armored protection system, night attack capabilities and impact-resistant landing wheels.

These helicopters can be used in combat search and rescue operations, attacks on enemy air defenses and counter-insurgency operations, officials said.

Prachands can destroy armored vehicles on land using anti-tank air-to-face ammunition and drones with air-to-air missiles.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said Prachand's joining the country's military was an "important opportunity" for India.

"Induction of domestically developed light fighter helicopters will increase our capabilities and will increase defense production," at the inauguration at the western Jodhpur Air Force Base, reported The National News Oct. 3.

This is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters, said CB Ananthakrishnan, chairman and managing director of Hindustan Aeronautics. He said Prachand "is genuine and sophisticated, one of the best combat flying machines in the world".

Separately, the Cabinet Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the procurement of 15 engines in March, costing more than 40 billion rupees (489 million A). Ten are allocated to the Indian Air Force, with five for the Indian Army.

India continues to increase its defense production capacity, under the ambitious 'Make In India' initiative.

The country is one of the largest importers of defense equipment in the world, but has purchased less in recent years, as it expands its domestic military manufacturing industry.

Last month, India completed the development of the Mark-2 Tejas, a follow-up version of its multi-play fighter, pledging to spend an additional 65 billion rupees (794 million US dollars) on prototypes, testing, and certification.

नाम है ‘प्रचंड’ pic.twitter.com/dCa3WGvw9A

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 3, 2022