India’s new Prachand combat helicopter would be “a walkover” for China’s Z-10 attack counterpart, a Chinese military magazine has claimed, dismissing the aircraft New Delhi might use in high-altitude operations against its neighbours.

In March, the Indian Ministry of Defence approved an order for 156 of the helicopters in a contract worth more than US$7.3 billion, with an eye to operations at 5,000 metres (16,400 feet) and above.

Those altitudes would cover areas along the unresolved Himalayan border with China and the Kashmir region with Pakistan.

In the latest skirmish in Kashmir earlier this month, a number of India’s French-made Rafale fighters were reportedly shot down by Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C jets.

Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets

Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets

The LCH Prachand, meanwhile, is India’s first attack helicopter domestically designed and manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). It is designed for air-to-ground attack roles, including anti-tank, anti-infantry and close air support.

Its first flight was in 2010 and the first batch – 10 for the Indian Air Force and five for the army – was introduced in 2022. The new order is expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2033.