Deliveries are set to begin in the third year and continue over the following five years. These contracts are expected to significantly enhance India’s high-altitude combat readiness, especially in the Himalayas.

In a parallel move, MoD also signed a contract with Metrea Management for the Indian Air Force’s first-ever wet-leased Flight Refuelling Aircraft (KC-135), enhancing air-to-air refuelling training for IAF and Indian Navy pilots. With these, MoD has signed 193 contracts in FY 2024-25, the highest ever, totaling over Rs 2.09 lakh crore.

‘Prachand’ – India’s Own Combat Helicopter

The LCH, Prachand, is India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter capable of operating at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters. It is tailored for precision attack missions in mountainous terrain and incorporates modern avionics, stealth features, and crash-worthy structures.

HAL aims to achieve over 65% indigenous content in the execution of this order, with involvement from over 250 domestic companies, mainly MSMEs. The project is projected to create more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs, giving a major push to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

India’s First Wet-Leased Refueller Aircraft

In another pioneering move, the MoD signed a contract with US-based Metrea Management for the wet leasing of one KC-135 Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA). This marks the first-ever wet lease of a refueller by the IAF.

The leased aircraft will be delivered within six months and will be used to train pilots of both the IAF and the Indian Navy in air-to-air refuelling operations, further strengthening India's extended airpower projection capabilities.

A Record-Breaking Year for Defence Contracts

With the signing of these three contracts, the total number of MoD contracts in FY 2024-25 has reached 193, with an aggregate value of over Rs 2,09,050 crore—the highest ever in Indian defence history. Of these, 177 contracts (92%) are with domestic firms, totaling Rs 1,68,922crore (81%), reinforcing India's commitment to domestic defence self-reliance.

These strategic acquisitions signal India’s steady transition toward a more robust, self-reliant, and tech-enabled defence infrastructure.