The Indian Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is on the brink of a significant upgrade with the introduction of a fully indigenous electronic warfare (EW) suite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This transition will see the replacement of the existing Saab Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) with a homegrown solution, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and minimizing reliance on foreign technology.
The LCH has previously utilized Saab’s IDAS, which is known for its ability to detect threats from radar, missiles, and lasers while automatically deploying countermeasures. Although effective, the previous reliance on imported systems has imposed strategic constraints, particularly during operations in high-threat environments. The DRDO’s newly designed EW suite promises to resolve these limitations, offering advanced protective measures explicitly tailored to meet the needs of the Indian military.
Key features of the indigenous EW suite will include radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning components, and countermeasure dispensing units, all seamlessly integrated into the helicopter’s avionics. This integration is expected to provide enhanced defense against various threats, including radar-guided missiles and infrared-guided weapons, such as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
In conjunction with the EW suite, the LCH will also incorporate a Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system, which is currently under development in India. This advanced laser-based technology is designed to deflect incoming heat-seeking missiles, significantly bolstering the helicopter’s survivability. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is set to lead the production of around 180 DIRCM units planned for deployment between 2026 and 2027.
This technological upgrade is poised to enhance not only the helicopter’s survivability but also its operational effectiveness in high-altitude conflict regions, such as India’s northern borders, where the LCH has already seen deployment. With plans for the armed forces to operate a fleet of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, the integration of a domestic EW suite is expected to yield long-term strategic and logistical advantages.
This development aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at promoting indigenous defense manufacturing and reducing dependency on imported technology. The DRDO’s tailored approach ensures that the new system meets the specific operational requirements of the Indian military, particularly in the context of mountain warfare and network-centric operations.
As the DRDO proceeds with integration and testing of these systems, the capabilities of the LCH are set to advance significantly, merging indigenous electronic protection with enhanced combat agility. This evolution marks a vital step in India’s pursuit of technological independence in modern warfare.
