Nashik: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expanding its Nashik facility to support the production of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters ordered for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The move comes as HAL prepares to execute the ₹62,700 crore helicopter contract signed with the Ministry of Defence. The Nashik infrastructure upgrade is expected to increase production capacity and support the large-scale manufacturing of India’s indigenous Light Combat Helicopter.
Details of HAL Nashik Facility Upgrade Plan
HAL has started infrastructure-related preparations at its Aircraft Manufacturing Division (AMD) in Nashik, Maharashtra. According to the tender information, the work includes installing aluminium partitions and false ceilings in Shops 25 and 31.
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These changes are aimed at preparing existing industrial spaces for activities linked to the LCH Prachand programme.
Instead of building an entirely new factory, HAL is making better use of its existing Nashik manufacturing infrastructure.
What is the Reason of HAL Nashik Facility Upgrade Plan
The main reason is the large order for 156 LCH Prachand helicopters. Producing such a large number of advanced combat helicopters requires more manufacturing, assembly and integration capacity.
The Nashik expansion can help HAL increase available production space and reduce pressure on its other helicopter manufacturing facilities. It can also allow different stages of production to be handled across multiple facilities.
How Many LCH Prachand Helicopters Has India Ordered
The Ministry of Defence signed two contracts with HAL on March 28, 2025, for the supply of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters. The total value of the contracts is ₹62,700 crore, excluding taxes, according to the Ministry of Defence. The order is divided between the two armed forces:
- Indian Army: 90 LCH Prachand helicopters
- Indian Air Force: 66 LCH Prachand helicopters
The deal also includes training and other associated equipment.
When Will HAL Deliver the 156 LCH Prachand Helicopters
According to the Ministry of Defence, the supply of the helicopters will start from the third year after the contract. Deliveries will then continue over the next five years.
This means HAL needs significant manufacturing capacity to maintain the required production rate during the delivery period. Infrastructure upgrades such as the Nashik project can help prepare HAL for this production challenge.
What Role Could HAL Nashik Play in Prachand Production
HAL’s Nashik facility already has decades of experience in military aircraft manufacturing, overhaul and support. The facility has worked on aircraft such as the MiG-21, MiG-27 and Su-30MKI.
Using this established aerospace facility for additional work related to the Prachand programme could help HAL expand capacity without depending entirely on new factories.
The tender-based report indicates that Nashik could support assembly and integration work for the programme.
However, the exact production responsibilities of the Nashik facility have not yet been publicly detailed by HAL.
What Is the LCH Prachand
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is an indigenous combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It was developed to operate in difficult environments, including high-altitude regions.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Prachand can operate at altitudes of more than 5,000 metres. This makes it especially useful for India’s mountainous and high-altitude operational areas.
What Makes LCH Prachand Important for India
Prachand is important because it strengthens India’s ability to design and manufacture advanced military helicopters domestically. The helicopter is designed for combat roles in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Its induction in larger numbers will strengthen the helicopter fleets of both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The programme also reduces India’s dependence on foreign defence equipment.
