India has shown its first group of homegrown assault helicopters with a focus on mountainous terrain. The new design is anticipated to be utilised against China in Himalayan regions that are under dispute.
On October 3, India unveiled a batch of homegrown helicopters that are intended for use in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, where the nation and China have long-standing territorial disputes.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is the manufacturer of the recently introduced light attack helicopter (HAL). The new line of helicopters will greatly improve the fighting capacities of the Indian Air Force, according to Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Mr. Singh remarked, “This is a historic occasion, a source of tremendous pride, and the outcome of two decades of rigorous research and development.”
According to India, the new chopper was tested up to 4,875 metres above sea level.
Following a fatal clash in a region that both China and India claim, tensions in the Himalayas drastically increased in May 2020.
The conflict resulted in at least 24 deaths on both sides. This is the first occasion in more than 40 years that a conflict between the Chinese and Indian soldiers in a disputed region has claimed a life.
Following that, men and weaponry were immediately sent to “hot areas” by both sides. However, the two nations have decided to reduce border tension and start removing military personnel, tanks, and other supplies from the Ladakh region.
Observers believe that India’s recently introduced helicopter line is also an effort to lessen its reliance on Russia, which has long been New Delhi’s main source of military hardware.
In an effort to develop its local defence sector, India commissioned its first aircraft carrier last month.
