New Delhi, 08 April (H.S.):

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru today, flying the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' to assess its combat prowess, agility, and mission readiness.

During the tour of HAL's helicopter hangars, he reviewed ongoing operations and capabilities for Prachand, Advanced Light Helicopter 'Dhruv', and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). HAL CMD Dr. D.K. Sunil, Director (Operations) Ravi Ke, and senior officials briefed him on production.

Deployed at Misamari, Assam—250 km from the LAC amid China threats—Prachand excels in high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Siachen. Four units guard Arunachal Pradesh forward areas. Army received 5 units, Air Force 10; armable with bombs, guns, missiles for rugged terrain.

President Droupadi Murmu flew Prachand from Jaisalmer in February. General Dwivedi praised HAL's role in bolstering India's defense preparedness.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar