India’s Prachand combat helicopter ‘unable to compete’ with China’s Z-10: report
Indian defence ministry approved order for 156 helicopters while eyeing high-altitude operations where it has issues with China and Pakistan
India’s new Prachand combat helicopter would be “a walkover” for China’s Z-10 attack counterpart, a Chinese military magazine has claimed, dismissing the aircraft New Delhi might use in high-altitude operations against its neighbours.
In March, the Indian Ministry of Defence approved an order for 156 of the helicopters in a contract worth more than US$7.3 billion, with an eye to operations at 5,000 metres (16,400 feet) and above.
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The LCH Prachand, meanwhile, is India’s first attack helicopter domestically designed and manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). It is designed for air-to-ground attack roles, including anti-tank, anti-infantry and close air support.