Nigeria may soon become the first country to export light combat helicopter (LCH) Prachand, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
According to media reports, discussions between Nigerian officials and HAL over procuring India's first indigenous multi-role light attack helicopter are nearing completion, and an agreement regarding this is likely soon.
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Financial Express reports that Nigeria is looking to purchase four combat helicopters through a soft credit agreement. An announcement regarding this will be made soon, reported EurAsian Times.
If HAL gets the deal, it would have beaten Turkish T-129 ATAK helicopter and Airbus' Tiger HAD multi-role attack helicopter as these were the other options before Nigeria.
Earlier, officers of the Nigerian Army were trained on HAL's a twin-engine, multi-mission Dhruv helicopters.
About Prachand LCH
Based on the Dhruv helicopter, Prachand is a two-seater anti-infantry and anti-armour helicopter. It is capable of precisely hitting targets at high altitudes and can also be used for bunker-busting operations at high altitudes.
Designed and developed in response to the operational needs identified during the Kargil War in 1999, the first prototype of HAL Prachand made its maiden flight in 2010.
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The aircraft, powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engines, features advanced avionics and a design that allows it to operate effectively in challenging environments, including high altitudes up to 5,000 meters.
Prachand LCH features advanced electronic warfare capabilities and cutting-edge weaponry, including chin-mounted and twin-barrel M621 20mm cannon, FZ231 rocket launcher built by Forges de Zeebrugge and is equipped with air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-radiation missiles.