About LCH

• The light combat helicopter (LCH) was designed and built indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 
• It is a two-seater attack helicopter derived from the existing Dhruv helicopter.
• The LCH can be deployed in various roles, including tracking slow-moving aerial targets, insurgency, destroying enemy defences, search and rescue, anti-tank and scouting. 
• The LCH is effective as both an anti-infantry and anti-armour helicopter.
• It is the lightest attack helicopter in the world designed and developed by HAL to meet the specific and unique requirements of Indian Armed Forces.
• According to HAL, the LCH is a potent weapon platform with state of the art systems and highly accurate weapons capable of hitting any type of target by day or night. 
• Other features of the LCH include its ability to operate in the complete ‘Area of Responsibility’ (AOR) and altitudes and has the ability to carry adequate weapon load at high altitudes under varied conditions.
• The IAF and the Army together need around 160 LCHs and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved an initial batch of 15 LCHs. 

Why in News?

Amid the ongoing stand-off on the border with China in Ladakh, two indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) have been deployed for operations at high altitude in Leh at short notice to support Indian Air Force (IAF) missions.

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2-light-combat-helicopters-deployed-in-leh/article32334476.ece#:~:text=China%20in%20Ladakh-,Amid%20the%20ongoing%20stand%2Doff%20on%20the%20border%20with%20China,(HAL)%20said%20on%20Wednesday.
2. https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hallghtcombathelicop/