HAL, BEML, Adani to Build Combat Helicopter Fuselage Structure
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formed collaborations with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited to produce fuselage structures for the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), enhancing the local helicopter manufacturing ecosystem.
According to the agreements, Adani Defence and BEML will produce 42 and 48 fuselage structures, respectively, as announced by HAL.
The decision is made against the backdrop of HAL's contractual duty to begin delivering 156 Prachand LCH, along with training and related equipment, to the Indian Air Force and Indian Army starting in 2028.
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On March 28, 2025, the Ministry of Defence finalized two agreements with HAL for the delivery of 66 LCHs to the IAF and an extra 90 units to the Indian Army.
The agreement had a value of Rs.62,700 crore, not including taxes. The helicopters will begin being supplied in the third year and will be fully delivered within the following five years, according to the agreements.
“This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem. For the first time, the private industry is being integrated into the production of helicopter fuselage structures. This partnership will expand capacity, strengthen the domestic supply chain and contribute to enhancing indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities,” says Ravi K, CMD of HAL.
Tushar Ranjan Behera, General Manager of HAL's Helicopter Division, signed the contract with Cmde (Retd.). R G K Rao, Executive Director of Aerospace & Maritime at BEML, and Prasanna Karthik, Vice President at Adani Defence, were present alongside the senior leadership from the three firms.
HAL has increased its capability and has begun producing 156 Prachand LCHs at its new helicopter manufacturing plant in Tumakuru, Karnataka. HAL stated that adding two more production lines will improve overall manufacturing capacity for the LCH programme and aid in the prompt delivery of helicopters to the Indian armed forces.
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The enlarged industrial base is anticipated to generate prospects for a broader network of Indian MSMEs, component makers, and aerospace vendors, aiding in the growth of specialized skills and fortifying the domestic aerospace supply chain, it noted.
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The helicopter is composed of numerous parts designed and produced in India, and there is a goal to reach an overall indigenous content exceeding 65 percent throughout this procurement process