The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 28 signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the biggest-ever procurement of 156 light combat helicopters (LCHs) — Prachands — at a cost of RS 62,700 crore.
Key Highlights
- The MoD inked two deals with HAL; one for the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and another for 90 LCHs to the Indian Army. Together, the total cost of both contracts is Rs 62,700 crore, excluding taxes.
- LCH is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter with capability to operate at an altitude of over 5,000 meters.
Wet leasing
- The Defence Ministry also signed a contract with Metrea Management for ‘wet leasing’ of one flight refuelling aircraft (FRA) for providing mid-air refuelling training to pilots of IAF and Indian Navy.
- Metrea will provide FRA (KC135 Aircraft) within six months, which will be the first FRA to be wet leased by IAF.
- A Wet Lease refers to a lease agreement where one airline or aircraft operator (the lessor) agrees to provide another airline or entity (the lessee) with an aircraft, complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI).
(Source: BL)
