Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the chief of the air staff, attended the ceremony at Jodhpur when the helicopters were accepted into the Indian Air Force. They are known as 'Prachand.'

In a significant boost to its combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday inducted its first batch of locally developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).

Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the chief of the air staff, attended the ceremony at Jodhpur when the helicopters were accepted into the Indian Air Force. They are known as 'Prachand.'

'The introduction of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) that were created domestically would improve our capability and increase defence manufacturing. The festival of Navratri, which is celebrated in Rajasthan, the home of warriors, was the ideal time to introduce LCH 'While introducing the helicopters, Rajnath stated.

Rajnath continued, calling it a 'momentous occasion' that showcases India's prowess in the defence industry.

IAF Chief Chaudhari stated that the addition of LCH gives the air force a special capacity and that the helicopters have shown themselves in the Himalayan region.

'Attack helicopters have been needed for a very long time, and their importance was most realised during the 1999 Kargil War. The LCH is the outcome of two decades of research and development, and its introduction into the IAF marks a significant turning point in the evolution of defence technology 'Singh continued.

The new helicopter joining the force can engage in aerial combat and will aid it in fending off armoured columns, drones, and slow-moving aircraft during battles. Rajnath Singh, who has played a significant role in advancing causes for troops to purchase indigenous platforms, will preside over the induction event.

The new helicopter joining the force can engage in aerial combat and will aid it in fending off armoured columns, drones, and slow-moving aircraft during battles. Rajnath Singh, who has played a significant role in advancing causes for troops to purchase indigenous platforms, will preside over the induction event.

He also attended the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting where it was decided to approve the procurement of 15 of these LCHs for the army and the air force.

Singh praised the Indian Air Force for its service and noted that whether facing internal challenges or foreign conflict, the IAF had a significant impact on the security of the country.

'IAF has consistently improved national security through its daring and courage. The introduction of LCH created domestically will boost IAF effectiveness. It has consistently backed domestically produced defence goods like the Marut, Light Combat Aircraft, Aakash Missile System, Advanced Light Helicopter, and the present LCH. It demonstrates IAF's confidence in locally created design and development 'Added Rajnath Singh.