Investing.com -- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (NSE: HIAE ). has secured a substantial order to supply helicopters to India’s military. The deal, worth 627 billion rupees ($7.3 billion), was announced in a government statement on Friday.

The Ministry of Defence signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 28, 2025. The contracts are for the supply of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), named Prachand, along with associated training and equipment.

The first contract stipulates the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the second contract is for the delivery of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army.

The delivery of these helicopters will begin in the third year following the contract signing and will be carried out over the next five years. The contracts are expected to boost the combat capability of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in high-altitude areas.

The LCH is the first combat helicopter to be designed and developed in India. It has the capability to operate at altitudes over 5000 meters. A significant number of the helicopter’s components are designed and manufactured in India, with plans to achieve an indigenous content of over 65% during the execution of this procurement.

The execution of these contracts will involve over 250 domestic companies, primarily Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It is anticipated that the contracts will generate over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs in the country.

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