LCH 'Prachand' to Get DRDO-Developed Electronic Warfare Suite in Major Indigenous Push
In a major push towards defence indigenisation, India's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' will be fitted with a completely indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) suite soon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system will replace the present Saab Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) being employed, a major transition from imported technology to domestic capabilities.
Earlier models of the LCH used Saab's South Africa-origin IDAS, providing threat detection against radars, missiles, and lasers, together with automatic countermeasure deployment. While reliable, its foreign origin created strategic constraints, particularly in sensitive or high-threat areas.
DRDO's new EW suite is aimed at doing away with all such fears with an Indian solution tailored to their needs. The suite will have radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning detectors, and countermeasure dispensers—all well-integrated with the helicopter's avionics. The add-ons are intended to protect the LCH from a variety of sophisticated threats, from radar-guided and infrared-guided missiles such as MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems).
To this electronic armour comes the addition of the Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system—a native invention. Employing laser technology, DIRCM is designed to counterattack incoming heat-seeking missiles. Approximately 180 units are to be produced in 2026 and 2027, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at the forefront.
This technology upgrade is not simply survivability—it's about equipping the LCH to fight efficiently in harsh combat environments, especially in high-altitude regions like India's northern fronts, where it has already tested its capabilities.
With the Indian military intending to induct 156 Prachand helicopters, the induction of DRDO's EW suite guarantees long-term operational effectiveness and strategic sovereignty. In consonance with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, this development backs India's resolve for indigenous defence production and decreased reliance on imported equipment.
As field trials and integration continue, the LCH is set to become a more deadly, autonomous warfare asset—mating nimble firepower with cutting-edge indigenous electronic defence. LCH 'Prachand' to Get DRDO-Developed Electronic Warfare Suite in Major Indigenous Push.
In a major push towards defence indigenisation, India's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' will be fitted with a completely indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) suite soon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system will replace the present Saab Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) being employed, a major transition from imported technology to domestic capabilities.
Earlier models of the LCH used Saab's South Africa-origin IDAS, providing threat detection against radars, missiles, and lasers, together with automatic countermeasure deployment. While reliable, its foreign origin created strategic constraints, particularly in sensitive or high-threat areas.
DRDO's new EW suite is aimed at doing away with all such fears with an Indian solution tailored to their needs. The suite will have radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning detectors, and countermeasure dispensers—all well-integrated with the helicopter's avionics. The add-ons are intended to protect the LCH from a variety of sophisticated threats, from radar-guided and infrared-guided missiles such as MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems).
To this electronic armour comes the addition of the Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system—a native invention. Employing laser technology, DIRCM is designed to counterattack incoming heat-seeking missiles. Approximately 180 units are to be produced in 2026 and 2027, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at the forefront.
This technology upgrade is not simply survivability—it's about equipping the LCH to fight efficiently in harsh combat environments, especially in high-altitude regions like India's northern fronts, where it has already tested its capabilities.
With the Indian military intending to induct 156 Prachand helicopters, the induction of DRDO's EW suite guarantees long-term operational effectiveness and strategic sovereignty. In consonance with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, this development backs India's resolve for indigenous defence production and decreased reliance on imported equipment.
As field trials and integration continue, the LCH is set to become a more deadly, autonomous warfare asset—mating nimble firepower with cutting-edge indigenous electronic defence.
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