AgustaWestland to meet MoD on November 20

[anup]

November 12, 2013: After seeking an opportunity to meet with the MoD and represent its case at a formal meeting for the last nine months, the company has finally been accorded the opportunity on November 20 at South Block. A decision to give the company a chance to meet with senior officials of the MoD over the AW101 VVIP helicopter controversy was taken at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting today chaired by Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who will personally be present at the representation engagement on November 20 as well. According to MoD sources, while AgustaWestland will be allowed two hours on November 20 to make its case, it will have until November 26 to formally respond to the October 21 show-cause notice, deemed the final notice to the company on a list of allegations against it with regard to the 2010 deal for 12 AW101 helicopters for the IAF. Significantly, top sources have also told SP's that the Indian Air Force has advised against an outright cancellation of the deal, which has been suspended after the supply of three helicopters, currently stationed at Palam Air Force Station in Delhi. The IAF is understood to have opined that the punitive clauses in the Defence Procurement Procedure could be invoked to penalise the company for any wrongdoing found, but that the deal should stand and supply of the remaining nine helicopters should ensue so that the Communications Squadron has requisite numbers for its VVIP transportation duties.

 

[anant_s]

While on one hand we can feel sorry for such a fine Helicopter deal almost lost due to corruption, i don't think Augusta stands any chance to revive the deal. The best they might be hoping for is to avoid blacklisting and participation in future contracts.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Mark my words this is going to go in AW's favour- their case is rock solid.

We can only hope now that the issue is sorted out swiftly and these helos are kept in India and the remaining 6 delivered as the IAF desperately needs them.