GriffinsRule
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Indian media reports indicate that investigations are under way into New Delhi’s May 2012 purchase of 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainers.
The nation’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is understood to be looking into corruption allegations related to the acquisition – worth approximately $523 million – after completing a three-year inquiry into the deal.
Pilatus – which has already completed deliveries under the programme – declines to comment on the reports.
Meanwhile, another challenge facing the Indian air force’s PC-7 fleet stems from the failure of New Delhi’s negotiators to conclude a follow-on support and maintenance transfer of technology contract with the Swiss airframer.
Pilatus had been responsible for providing maintenance support through a two-year warranty
period, but this arrangement ended on 31 January 2018.
Had the new contract been signed, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) would have sustained the
fleet. However, with no deal in place, the air force has instead tried to support the type itself.
Despite the service’s efforts, a February 2019 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicated that overall serviceability of the 75-strong fleet has been severely impacted, with a substantial portion of airframes grounded.
Following a contract signing in May 2012, Pilatus completed delivery of all 75 trainers between February 2013 and November 2015. “The initial lots of aircraft were utilised at a greater-than-average rate of 300h per year,” the defence ministry told the CAG.
The PC-7 Mk II was selected as a replacement for the air force’s HAL-built HPT-32s, which were grounded in July 2009 because of an unacceptably high accident rate. India’s Defence Acquisition Council in January 2016 gave its approval for a follow-on order of 38 additional aircraft, which had been an option under the original contract, but the subsequent CBI
investigation has so far prevented this from advancing.
HAL is currently developing the indigenous HTT-40 to meet an air force requirement for
another 106 basic trainers.
The nation’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is understood to be looking into corruption allegations related to the acquisition – worth approximately $523 million – after completing a three-year inquiry into the deal.
Pilatus – which has already completed deliveries under the programme – declines to comment on the reports.
Meanwhile, another challenge facing the Indian air force’s PC-7 fleet stems from the failure of New Delhi’s negotiators to conclude a follow-on support and maintenance transfer of technology contract with the Swiss airframer.
Pilatus had been responsible for providing maintenance support through a two-year warranty
period, but this arrangement ended on 31 January 2018.
Had the new contract been signed, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) would have sustained the
fleet. However, with no deal in place, the air force has instead tried to support the type itself.
Despite the service’s efforts, a February 2019 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicated that overall serviceability of the 75-strong fleet has been severely impacted, with a substantial portion of airframes grounded.
Following a contract signing in May 2012, Pilatus completed delivery of all 75 trainers between February 2013 and November 2015. “The initial lots of aircraft were utilised at a greater-than-average rate of 300h per year,” the defence ministry told the CAG.
The PC-7 Mk II was selected as a replacement for the air force’s HAL-built HPT-32s, which were grounded in July 2009 because of an unacceptably high accident rate. India’s Defence Acquisition Council in January 2016 gave its approval for a follow-on order of 38 additional aircraft, which had been an option under the original contract, but the subsequent CBI
investigation has so far prevented this from advancing.
HAL is currently developing the indigenous HTT-40 to meet an air force requirement for
another 106 basic trainers.
