KNDS has announced that its THL20 20mm gun turret has been selected for India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) programme. The company will supply 126 newly manufactured THL20 turrets for the LCH Prachand, adding a proven turreted cannon system to India’s indigenous combat helicopter fleet.
The THL20 is built around the 20M621 20mm cannon, which uses standard NATO 20×102mm ammunition. KNDS describes the system as lightweight, compact and low-recoil, with the ability to integrate with helicopter sighting systems for accurate targeting. The turret is derived from the THL30 system used on Tiger helicopters and has already been qualified on the IAR 330 and integrated on the Black Hawk platform.
The LCH Prachand has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for operations in demanding environments, including high-altitude areas. In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts with HAL for 156 LCH Prachand helicopters-66 for the Indian Air Force and 90 for the Indian Army-with deliveries scheduled to begin from the third year and continue over five years.
The latest KNDS announcement builds on the company’s existing relationship with the Indian Air Force. KNDS said its partnership with the IAF began in 2006 and has already included the supply of 136 THL20 turrets for India’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet.
The selection of the THL20 also adds to KNDS’s wider presence in India’s defence sector. The company supplies 20mm and 30mm ammunition to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force and has expanded cooperation with Indian industry under the Make in India initiative. KNDS recently announced teaming arrangements with Indian company SMPP for the production of KATANA 155mm precision-guided ammunition and MV100 loitering munitions.
For the LCH programme, the integration of 126 THL20 turrets represents another step in equipping India’s indigenous combat helicopter fleet with a dedicated 20mm turret system. The development also reinforces the continuing industrial and technological cooperation between KNDS and India’s defence sector.
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