By 'Sina Oduntan
NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE had purchased four four LCH Prachand Light Attack helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (LCH).
According to reports by Defence, an Indian news portal, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defense purchased Indian-made helicopters instead of Mi-35 attack helicopters it earlier agreed to buy.
The value of the four attack helicopters was undisclosed, the India's news site noted that the sale was facilitated through extensive lending agreements.
Nigeria, which, despite having an active contract for twelve Mi-35 attack helicopters — a deal russia claims is "partially fulfilled" but Nigerian officials describe as delayed — has now turned to another supplier: India.
India began developing the Prachand in 2006, using the Dhruv utility helicopter as a base, which itself first flew in 1992. Revamped beyond recognition, the attack version took to the skies in 2010 and entered mass production in 2017.
The LCH Prachand (pictured above) is powered by dual rotors, each generating 1032 kW, allowing the helicopter to take off with a maximum weight of 5,800 kg, including a 1,700 kg payload. The helicopter can reach speeds of up to 280 km/h, with an endurance of 3 hours and 10 minutes, and a maximum operational range of 700 km.
The helicopter also incorporates a range of foreign technologies and components. Its engines are locally manufactured French Safran Ardiden units, while its electro-optical sighting system comes from Israel’s Elbit, and the missile warning system is provided by Saab.
Meanwhile, the Russia Federation had delivered six of the twelve Mi-35s to Nigeria in October 2019.
Though, the Nigerian Air Force has ten Mi-35s at its disposal, increased from four helicopters of this type Nigeria already had in 2018 before signing the deal.
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