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HAL's New Helicopter Factory Inaugurates LCH Production Line in Tumakuru

The Secretary of Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, has inaugurated the structure assembly line for the indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopter at HAL's new helicopter factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka. The state-of-the-art greenfield facility will also produce Light Utility Helicopters and support future helicopter programs. The inauguration follows a recent visit by the Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, who undertook a sortie in the Prachand LCH to assess its capabilities. The facility marks a significant step in boosting India's indigenous defence manufacturing and combat readiness.

Key Points: HAL's New Factory Opens LCH Production Line in Tumakuru

  • LCH structure assembly line inaugurated
  • New greenfield helicopter factory in Tumakuru
  • Supports LUH, IMRH & DBMRH programs
  • Army Chief recently tested Prachand LCH
2 min read

Defence Production Secretary inaugurates LCH production line at HAL's new helicopter factory

Defence Production Secretary inaugurates Prachand LCH assembly line at HAL's new state-of-the-art helicopter facility in Karnataka.

"expressed satisfaction with the progress of the facility and the plans for the production of the helicopters - Press Release"

Bengaluru, April 13

Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar on Monday officially opened the new structure assembly line for the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka.

According to a press release, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, inaugurated Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) structure assembly line and an Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's New Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka. DK Sunil, CMD, HAL and Ms Manisha Chandra, Joint Secretary (Aero), were present along with HAL Directors and senior officers from HAL and MoD.

The New Helicopter Facility is a state-of-the-art greenfield facility established for the production of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Prachand LCH, and will support future programmes such as Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

The Secy (DP) held a meeting with HAL management, reviewed ongoing projects and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the facility and the plans for the production of the helicopters. He also visited HAL's dedicated LUH production facility, LCH equipping hangar and ASRS facility.

Earlier this month, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and undertook a sortie in the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter.

During the visit, the Army Chief experienced first-hand the helicopter's performance, agility, and mission readiness. The Prachand Light Combat Helicopter is an indigenously developed platform designed for high-altitude operations and is a key addition to India's combat capabilities.

On March 29, Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, witnessed the Integrated Air Defence Firepower at Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur, Odisha.

In a post on X, the Army said that the COAS complimented the personnel for their dedication towards the nation's defence while hoping for them to continue dominating in the battlespace.

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, witnessed the Integrated Air Defence Firepower at Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur. The exercise showcased seamless synergy of multifarious Air Defence weapon systems operating in a networked environment, effectively validating the detection-to-engagement cycle against new-age hybrid aerial threats. The #COAS complimented the Air Defence Warriors for their relentless commitment towards strengthening India's defence and exhorted them to continue striving for excellence and dominance in the evolving battlespace," the public relations wing of the Indian Army wrote in the post.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great step forward. But we need to ensure these projects are delivered on time and within budget. Past delays with HAL projects have been a concern. Hope this new facility has better project management.
V
Vikram M
The fact that our Army Chief took a sortie in the Prachand speaks volumes about its confidence in the platform. When our top brass trusts indigenous equipment, it's a strong signal. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
Good to see the focus on future programs like IMRH and the deck-based helicopter too. We need a strong rotary-wing fleet for all three services. This factory will be crucial.
S
Sarah B
Investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing like the Automated Storage & Retrieval System is key for efficiency and quality. This is how you build a modern defence industrial base. Impressive work.
K
Karthik V
Bengaluru and Tumakuru are becoming real aerospace hubs. This creates so many skilled jobs and boosts the local economy. Hope the benefits reach the surrounding communities as well.

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