Bengaluru: Defence Public Sector Undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver the first batch of three indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The three LCH will be delivered to Indian Army and Indian Air Force before March 31, media reports said quoting defence officials.

These helicopters are a part of 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH helicopters approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

“HAL has received the Letter of Intent from Army and Air Force. Once the order is given, it will deliver the remaining 12 helicopters of the LSP in the next financial year,” say reports.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that contracts for the following are likely to be signed in the first quarter of 2021: LCH from HAL, additional Harop (P-IV) loitering drones from Israel and upgrade of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) in service.

Apart from this, the Army variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is scheduled to receive its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) at the Aero India. Last September, it completed all tests and also demonstrated its high-altitude capability in hot and high weather conditions.

LUH is a three-tonne helicopter positioned as replacement for the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. It is capable of flying at 220 kmph, service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km with 500 kg payload, according to HAL.

Reportedly, HAL is working on helicopters in the smaller range, including a 12-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) as a replacement for the Mi-17 helicopters in service.

LCH and the LUH along with the weaponised Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) will be showcased inside the Indian pavilion at Aero India.