HAL Partners With BEML and Adani Defence for 90 Prachand Helicopter Fuselages

Bengaluru-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) to manufacture fuselage structures for the indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

Under the agreements, BEML will manufacture 48 fuselage structures, while Adani Defence will produce 42 structures. The partnership marks the first time private industry is being integrated into the production of helicopter fuselage structures for the defence public sector undertaking.

Ravi K., Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, stated that the partnership represents a significant step in strengthening the country's aerospace ecosystem, expanding manufacturing capacity, and strengthening the domestic supply chain.

HAL has augmented its production capacity and commenced manufacturing the 156 Prachand LCHs ordered for the Indian Armed Forces at its helicopter manufacturing facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. The defence PSU noted that establishing two additional production lines will boost overall manufacturing capability for the LCH programme and support timely deliveries to the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The expanded manufacturing base is also expected to create opportunities for Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), component manufacturers, and aerospace suppliers, aiding the development of specialised industrial capabilities.

The Prachand LCH is a 5.5-tonne class multi-role combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It features a narrow fuselage, a tandem cockpit configuration for the pilot and weapon system operator, and stealth characteristics including reduced radar and infra-red signatures alongside crashworthy landing gear. The aircraft is designed for roles such as destruction of enemy air defence, counter-insurgency operations, search and rescue, anti-tank warfare, and counter surface force missions.