Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, on Wednesday (April 08, 2026) visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru and undertook a maiden sortie in the indigenously developed Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the Indian Army said
During his visit to HAL, the Army Chief experienced first-hand the helicopter’s performance, agility, and mission readiness.
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), is built for hight altitude warfare, also boosting India’s combat capabilities and marks a major milestone towards self- reliance in defence manufacturing.
The indigenously developed platform has been manufactured to function in extreme terrains and rarefied atmospheric conditions, strengthening the Indian Army’s operational preparedness along challenging frontiers.
Earlier, on March 29, General Upendra Dwivedi observed the Integrated Air Defence Firepower at the Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur.
The drill highlighted the smooth coordination of multiple air defence weapon systems in a networked environment
In an official post on X, the Indian Army said the demonstration effectively validated the detection to engagement cycle against new-age hybrid aerial threats.
“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,” ANI reported
The Army Chief also praised the personnel for their unwavering commitment to national security.
“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,” according to ANI
The development highlights the Indian Army’s growing focus to homegrown technological progress, and dominance in the evolving battlespace.