Eye On China: Army To Deploy LCHs In Assam's Missamari

The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), called Prachand, recently inducted into the Indian Air Force, is about to be deployed by the Indian Army in Missamari, Assam having 100 k.m. of displacement from the Indo-China border.

According to officials, four LCHs will be deployed by the Army in Missamari by the end of this month. While 10 LCHs were handed over to the Indian Air Force and three were previously given to the Army, the remaining three LCHs are still in Bengaluru. By the end of this month, four of these will begin operations after being sent in advance.

In response to the expanding Chinese military infrastructure, the Missamari Aviation Brigade was established in March 2021 to strengthen the Army's air capabilities to support ground forces in the eastern region. As a result of the brigade's expansion and the addition of long-range surveillance drones, radars and night vision equipment, satellite imagery now provides a reliable account of Chinese activity throughout the LAC.

Along with the LCHs, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruva and Rudra, which is a weaponised version of ALH will also be deployed.

These helicopters are effective in air-to-air combat, offensive operations against ground positions and anti-tank operations. It would be a powerful platform to complete the operational needs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. According to the plans, the Army requires an additional 95 of these helicopters, while the IAF requires an additional 65 helicopters. 

Since the start of the conflict with China in Ladakh in 2020, the Army has been improving its air power to help ground forces and to keep an eye on Chinese activities.

The LCH is a suitable option for mountain warfare due to its agility and maneuverability, and it can take off and land with a payload even at 16,000 feet.