DIRCM Development for the LCH Prachand

Introduction to DIRCM

Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems are advanced defense mechanisms designed to protect aircraft from heat-seeking missiles, particularly Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). These systems use targeted laser beams to disrupt the missile's guidance, offering a more effective alternative to traditional flares.

DIRCM for India's Light Combat Helicopter

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a twin-engine helicopter weighing 5800 kg, designed for various military operations. Given the threats it faces, HAL is developing a DIRCM system for the LCH through a partnership with a global industry leader. This system will integrate with the LCH's Electronic Warfare system to detect and jam infrared threats, with production of about 180 units planned to start around 2026/2027.

BEL India's DIRCM Offering

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) provides a laser-based DIRCM system that is compact, lightweight, and operates automatically without crew intervention. It features a dual-band laser, can handle multiple threats simultaneously, and is upgradable for future needs, ensuring low life cycle costs and high reliability.

Comprehensive Analysis of DIRCM for India's Light Combat Helicopter

In the dynamic field of aerial warfare, the proliferation of infrared-guided missiles, especially Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), poses a significant threat to military aircraft. To counter this, Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems have emerged as a critical technology, offering enhanced protection through advanced laser-based jamming. This report delves into the specifics of DIRCM, its application to India's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and the offerings from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), providing a detailed examination for stakeholders in defense and aerospace.

Understanding DIRCM: Technology and Functionality

DIRCM systems are sophisticated defense mechanisms designed to safeguard aircraft from infrared homing missiles, primarily MANPADS and similar threats. Unlike earlier countermeasures such as flares, which emit infrared energy omnidirectionally and can be less effective against modern missile seekers due to the inverse square law, DIRCM systems employ a targeted approach. They use directed laser beams to jam the missile's infrared seeker, disrupting its ability to track the aircraft's heat signature.

The operational process of a DIRCM system includes several key stages:

• Detection: The system utilizes sensors, such as the Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), to detect the launch of a missile.

• Tracking: Once detected, the system tracks the missile's trajectory using advanced tracking mechanisms, often integrated with the aircraft's Electronic Warfare (EW) suite.

• Jamming: A modulated laser beam, typically in the infrared spectrum, is directed at the missile's seeker. This beam is programmed to interfere with the missile's guidance system, causing it to lose lock on the aircraft and miss its target.

Research highlights that DIRCM systems are particularly effective against evolved MANPADS, which can differentiate between flares and sustained heat sources like aircraft engines. For instance, studies indicate that DIRCM can counter multiple simultaneous threats, a tactic increasingly used against high-value targets, by employing multi-turret systems for rapid, line-of-sight engagement (Leonardo DIRCM Explained).

The advantages of DIRCM over traditional methods are significant:

• Targeted Defense: By focusing the countermeasure directly on the threat, DIRCM systems maximize energy delivery, overwhelming the missile seeker.

• Unlimited Ammunition: Unlike flares, which are expendable and limited in quantity, DIRCM systems use laser energy, offering infinite operational duration.

• Automation: Modern DIRCM systems operate automatically, reducing crew workload and ensuring rapid response, crucial given MANPADS can reach targets in seconds.

DIRCM Integration with India's Light Combat Helicopter

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a state-of-the-art, twin-engine helicopter weighing 5800 kg, designed for the Indian Armed Services. It is engineered for diverse missions, including combat search and rescue, anti-tank operations, and counter-insurgency tasks, often in hostile environments where infrared-guided missile threats are prevalent.

Given these operational contexts, protecting the LCH from MANPADS is paramount. HAL has initiated the development of a DIRCM system specifically for the LCH through a co-development model with a global industry partner. This initiative, detailed in recent tender documents, outlines a collaborative approach to design, test, and qualify the system, expected to be completed within 30 months. Production is anticipated to commence around 2026/2027, with approximately 180 sets of DIRCM systems planned for the LCH fleet.

The DIRCM system for the LCH will interface with the helicopter's Electronic Warfare system, particularly the MAWS, using interfaces like RS 422 and MIL STD 1553. It will receive navigation data (e.g., position, roll, pitch, yaw, velocities) and threat cues (e.g., threat azimuth, elevation, time to intercept) to detect and jam infrared threats. This integration ensures the system can share operational modes, status, and critical data with the Integrated Avionics Display System (IADS), enhancing situational awareness and response efficiency.

The development process involves design, testing, qualification, flight trials, and certification, with key deliverables including fully assembled DIRCM systems, sub-systems, test equipment, documentation, and training. Post-development, manufacturing and supply will be handled by HAL's Avionics Division, with a production split of 25% Completely Built Units (CBU) and 75% Raw Material/SRU assembly, aiming for at least 60% indigenous content as per DAP-2020 guidelines. The co-development partner must transfer manufacturing technology and repair/overhaul philosophy to HAL, ensuring long-term maintainability for at least 30 years.

BEL India's DIRCM System: A Domestic Solution

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense electronics company, offers a laser-based DIRCM system that aligns with the needs of platforms like the LCH. This system is designed to protect aerial vehicles from heat-seeking, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS) during critical phases such as take-off, cruising, and landing. The BEL DIRCM system is compact and lightweight, facilitating integration with various MWS/SPS, and operates on an open architecture, enhancing compatibility.

Key features of the BEL DIRCM system include:

The system employs a dual-band laser, with each band independently programmable, enabling it to address diverse threat scenarios. It can handle multiple and simultaneous threats, a critical capability given the increasing use of coordinated missile attacks. The automatic operation eliminates the need for flight crew intervention, ensuring rapid response, while its upgradability allows adaptation to future threats. High reliability translates to low life cycle costs, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term deployment.

Strategic Implications and Future Prospects

The integration of DIRCM systems into the LCH represents a significant step forward in enhancing the survivability of India's military helicopters in modern combat scenarios. By providing effective protection against infrared-guided missiles, DIRCM ensures that the LCH can operate safely in hostile environments, safeguarding both the aircraft and its crew. The collaboration between HAL and global partners, coupled with BEL's domestic offerings, underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defense technology, aligning with the "Make in India" initiative.

As threats continue to evolve, the deployment of advanced countermeasures like DIRCM will be indispensable. The ongoing development, with production timelines set for 2026/2027, positions the LCH as a formidable asset in India's aerial defense arsenal. Future upgrades and adaptations, facilitated by systems like BEL's, will ensure that the LCH remains resilient against emerging threats, reinforcing operational superiority and mission success.

Unexpected Detail: Economic and Strategic Impact

An unexpected aspect of this development is the economic impact, with the DIRCM project potentially creating jobs and fostering technological innovation within India's defense sector. The emphasis on indigenous content (60% as per DAP-2020) not only reduces dependency on foreign suppliers but also strengthens the domestic industrial base, with long-term strategic benefits for national security and economic growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DIRCM systems are vital for protecting military helicopters like the LCH from infrared-guided missile threats, with HAL's development efforts and BEL's advanced offerings playing pivotal roles. This integration enhances operational safety and aligns with India's defense self-reliance goals, promising a robust future for the LCH in diverse combat scenarios.