New Delhi, April 8 -- In a landmark move to bolster India's defence capabilities and promote self-reliance, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a Rs 62,500 crore contract for the production of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) for the Indian Army and Air Force.

This initiative is set to significantly involve private sector firms, allocating approximately Rs 25,000 crore worth of contracts to them, thereby strengthening the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved this substantial deal on Friday, leading to its immediate formalisation between HAL and the Ministry of Defence.

This approach mirrors the successful collaboration model employed in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) projec...