Watch: As LCH Prachand Precisely Destroys Target Using Its 70 mm Rockets, And 20 mm Guns

Two days ago, (on 31 October), India's indigenously designed and developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand successfully tested its 70 mm rockets and 20 mm guns for the first time.

This inaugural test firing took place under Exercise Poorvi Akash, conducted by the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Eastern Air Command in the northeastern sector.

A LCH Prachand from — 351 Army Aviation (AA) squadron — based in Missamari also landed at a high-altitude advanced landing ground (ALG) in the northeastern sector.

Indian Army's Gajraj Corps (4 Corps) based at Tezpur, Assam posted a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), of the LCH precisely destroying its targets using its 70 mm rockets and 20 mm guns, during Poorvi Akash exercise.

It said, "Indigenously built multi-role Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand' designed for mountainous terrain successfully achieved its targets with potent armaments during day & night firing in Gajraj Corps. Cutting edge tech & weapon systems on this tailor-made platform enhance the Indian Army's precision, speed & firepower capabilities."

Both the army and the IAF currently operate 15 LCH helicopters (five with the army and ten with the IAF). They are also considering the acquisition of an additional 156 LCH attack helicopters, with 90 intended for the army and 66 for the IAF.

Designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH is specifically engineered to operate in high-altitude conditions.

It is the only helicopter in the world with the capability to operate at altitudes above 5,000 to 6,000 metres while carrying a substantial offensive payload.

The LCH demonstrated this capability by executing successful landings at forward camps situated at Siachen, at an altitude of 4,700 metres above sea level, while carrying a 500 kg payload.