India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) finalised a series of contracts for attack helicopters, Mid-Air Refuellers, Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) systems and light vehicles before 31 March, which marks the end of the financial year in India. India’s MoD concluded a total of 193 defence contracts in 2024–25 with overall contract value exceeding Rupees 2,090 billion (approx. US$24.8 billion).
The state-owned airframer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was awarded a contract for 156 PRACHAND Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), along with training and other associated equipment, in a deal worth Rupees 627 billion (approx. US$7.46 billion). HAL will deliver 90 LCHs to the Indian Army, followed by 66 to the Indian Air Force (IAF). HAL will commence deliveries from 2028, and is slated to complete the order by 2033. The LCH is India’s first indigenously designed and developed attack helicopter and has the ability to operate at an altitude of over 5,000 meters.
The Indian MoD has also contracted Metrea Management for the Wet Leasing of a Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to provide Air-to-Air refuelling training to IAF and Indian Navy pilots. Metrea will provide 1 KC-135 aircraft within 6 months, which will be the first FRA to be wet leased by the IAF.
The MoD also concluded contracts with the state-owned firm Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited for procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version worth Rupees 18 billion and 5,000 light vehicles for the army worth Rupees 25 billion. The Nag is a 3rd gen ATGM developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the NAMIS is based on the 1980s-vintage BMP-II Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The Indian private sector firm Force Motors will supply nearly 3,000 light vehicles as part of the contract, while Mahindra & Mahindra will supply the rest.
Image Credit: Indian Army
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