HAL evaluating mini-AESA radar integration on Light Combat Helicopter Prachand to bolster its combat capabilities
.jpg "HAL evaluating mini-AESA radar integration on Light Combat Helicopter Prachand to bolster its combat capabilities") |
| Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand |
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is considering the integration of a compact Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar onto the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This potential enhancement aims to significantly improve the helicopter’s combat effectiveness by boosting its situational awareness and adaptability in challenging battlefield conditions.
The Mini-AESA radar, currently under development, is tailored to provide advanced aerial mapping capabilities, equipping the LCH crew with real-time environmental data. This radar system would enable precise detection and tracking of targets under various conditions, enhancing the LCH Prachand’s ability to navigate and engage with precision in complex and hostile environments, even in low-visibility scenarios.
The Indian Army has expressed strong interest in utilizing the LCH Prachand for counter-drone operations. The long-range surveillance capabilities offered by the Mini-AESA radar would be instrumental in detecting and neutralizing enemy drones, a growing threat in modern warfare. Its precise targeting abilities would also make the LCH highly effective against loitering munitions, providing an advanced countermeasure to emerging aerial threats.
In addition to its primary combat applications, the integration of the Mini-AESA radar would enhance the LCH’s capacity to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions in contested environments. The radar’s ability to provide high-resolution imaging and detailed tracking data would make it an invaluable asset for operations requiring a high degree of situational awareness.
Beyond its application on the LCH, HAL is also exploring the possibility of equipping this Mini-AESA radar on Loyal Wingman systems and Autonomous Strike Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). Its compact design and advanced features make it a perfect fit for these platforms, which rely on precise situational awareness and autonomous functionality. By integrating AESA radars into these systems, HAL aims to strengthen India’s unmanned aerial fleet, allowing for advanced coordinated strikes in tandem with manned aircraft during complex joint operations.
According to defence sources, the proposal to integrate the mini-AESA radar on the LCH Prachand remains in the conceptual stage. Both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force will need to provide their approval before the project advances to the testing phase. If greenlit, the radar system will undergo extensive Proof of Concept (PoC) trials. These trials will rigorously test the radar’s performance and effectiveness under simulated combat conditions to ensure it meets the operational requirements of the LCH platform before full-scale production and deployment.
Integrating a Mini-AESA radar into the LCH Prachand would represent a significant leap in India’s combat aviation capabilities. This advancement would provide Indian helicopters with a decisive edge in both conventional and asymmetrical warfare, aligning with the Army’s vision for future-ready platforms that are adaptable to evolving technologies and battlefield scenarios. This innovation could firmly position the LCH Prachand as a cutting-edge asset in India’s defense arsenal.
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