VVIP chopper deal: Italy's loss could be Russia's gain

[Srinivas]

VVIP chopper deal: Italy's loss could be Russia's gain

Russia may end up the big winner if India’s cancellation of the Rs. 3,760-crore helicopter contract with AgustaWestland goes through.

Top air force sources said India would consider going back to Russia to acquire a new VVIP fleet to replace its ageing Russian-made Mi-8 choppers All military purchases have to be made through competitive bidding. However, switching to a new vendor, Russia in this case, would not require tendering as this would be considered a “follow-on” order since India has already booked 80 Mi-17 V5 choppers. More than 20 of these have already been inducted.

“The air force can’t afford to wait another seven years. The Mi-8s, modified for VVIP use in India, were upgraded in 2009-10 to keep them flying till 2014. We have no choice but to turn to the Russians if we are to maintain a VVIP fleet in the current scenario,” a source said.

India ordered 80 Mi-17 V5 helicopters from Russia in 2008 for $1.4 billion ( Rs. 7,700 crore). The follow-on clause was invoked to buy 59 more choppers for $1 billion ( Rs. 5,500 crore). That order could be expanded.

“The Mi-17 V5s can be upgraded in India for VVIP requirements as was done with the Mi-8s,” the source said.

The air force has been operating the Mi-17 platform since 1986.

The contract with AgustaWestland, a subsidiary of Italian defence group Finmeccanica, for 12 choppers was signed in February 2010 and three choppers have been delivered.

But allegations that the firm paid more than Rs. 375 crore in kickbacks have prompted the government in the last few days to initiate action to cancel the deal and announce a CBI probe.

This is a big setback to the IAF since the proposal to replace the Mi-8s — considered unsafe beyond 2,000 metres — was made a good 14 years ago.

VVIP chopper deal: Italy's loss could be Russia's gain - Hindustan Times

 

[kurup]

India may consider going back to Russia to acquire a new VVIP chopper fleet

Russia may end up the big winner if India’s cancellation of the Rs.3,760-crore helicopter contract with AgustaWestland goes through.

Top air force sources said India would consider going back to Russia to acquire a new VVIP fleet to replace its ageing Russian-made Mi-8 choppers of 1970s vintage, due to be phased out next year. A fresh global tender may not be floated as this could delay the process by seven to eight years, as reported by HT on Saturday.

All military purchases have to be made through competitive bidding. However, switching to a new vendor, Russia in this case, would not require tendering as this would be considered a “follow-on” order since India has already booked 80 Mi-17 V5 choppers. More than 20 of these have already been inducted.

“The air force can’t afford to wait another seven years. The Mi-8s, modified for VVIP use in India, were upgraded in 2009-10 to keep them flying till 2014. We have no choice but to turn to the Russians if we are to maintain a VVIP fleet in the current scenario,” a source said.

India ordered 80 Mi-17 V5 helicopters from Russia in 2008 for $1.4 billion ( Rs.7,700 crore). The follow-on clause was invoked to buy 59 more choppers for $1 billion ( Rs. 5,500 crore). That order could be expanded.

“The Mi-17 V5s can be upgraded in India for VVIP requirements as was done with the Mi-8s,” the source said.

The air force has been operating the Mi-17 platform since 1986.

The contract with AgustaWestland, a subsidiary of Italian defence group Finmeccanica, for 12 choppers was signed in February 2010 and three choppers have been delivered.

But allegations that the firm paid more than Rs. 375 crore in kickbacks have prompted the government in the last few days to initiate action to cancel the deal and announce a CBI probe.

This is a big setback to the IAF since the proposal to replace the Mi-8s — considered unsafe beyond 2,000 metres — was made a good 14 years ago.

India may consider going back to Russia to acquire a new VVIP chopper fleet | idrw.org

 

[rockstarIN]

Let them fly in those unsafe Mi8s

 

[Yogi]

Its just awesome its like Ek teer se do nishane...
1. If Russian helos r selected than it'll be a dead cheap deal n will share the same spares as Military helos.
2. If there is another round of bidding then our politicians will also have taste of Indian Bureaucracy...

 

[Abingdonboy]

This is a shame- those AW-101s are beautiful helos.

Let's just wait and see what really happens.

 

[sarthak]

This is a shame- those AW-101s are beautiful helos.

Let's just wait and see what really happens.

Really? I am extremely glad that the deal will be cancelled. 12 helicopters for Rs 3760 crore. Are they ****in kidding me ? What have our politicians done till now to deserve this? The ones who are indeed respectable people like the prime minister and president already have private jets and helicopters that meet the best standards possible. On the other hand , 80 Mi-17 helicopters cost Rs 7700 crore. Let the politicians travel in those and these helicopters can also be used by the army.

Probably the only relevant thing that differentiates these Mi-17s from the AW101 is this pic of the interior.

Vs



Most of our politicians do not deserve this level of comfort for a ride that would probably last 1-2 hours at best. I'm sure the army will find great use for the 55-60+ Mi-17s that could be bought in exchange for these 12 overpriced helicopters. Maybe there would be fewer reports of our brave air force pilots dying due to crappy helicopters.

 

[axisofevil]

Really? I am extremely glad that the deal will be cancelled. 12 helicopters for Rs 3760 crore. Are they ****in kidding me ? What have our politicians done till now to deserve this? The ones who are indeed respectable people like the prime minister and president already have private jets and helicopters that meet the best standards possible. On the other hand , 80 Mi-17 helicopters cost Rs 7700 crore. Let the politicians travel in those and these helicopters can also be used by the army.

Probably the only thing that differentiates these Mi-17s from the AW101 is this pic of the interior. most of our politicians do not deserve this level of comfort for a ride that would probably last 1-2 hours at best.

Most of our politicians do not deserve this level of comfort for a ride that would probably last 1-2 hours at best. I'm sure the army will find great use for the 55-60+ Mi-17s that could be bought in exchange for these 12 overpriced helicopters. Maybe there would be fewer reports of brave air force pilots dying due to crappy helicopters.

That being said, who We need to look at all angles. Were Russians involved in sterring this deal towards them? Why the Italian company bribe when their product is so surperior? Or does this point to a larger issue I and others have been saying for yrs, corruption is deeply rooted in the military purchase system? It would explain a lot more. Another point for others to consider our CBI has not solved one defence related scam in 30 f-ing yrs. YEa so those who say lets investigate....plz shove it.

 

[Echo_419]

Really? I am extremely glad that the deal will be cancelled. 12 helicopters for Rs 3760 crore. Are they ****in kidding me ? What have our politicians done till now to deserve this? The ones who are indeed respectable people like the prime minister and president already have private jets and helicopters that meet the best standards possible. On the other hand , 80 Mi-17 helicopters cost Rs 7700 crore. Let the politicians travel in those and these helicopters can also be used by the army.

Probably the only relevant thing that differentiates these Mi-17s from the AW101 is this pic of the interior.

Vs



Most of our politicians do not deserve this level of comfort for a ride that would probably last 1-2 hours at best. I'm sure the army will find great use for the 55-60+ Mi-17s that could be bought in exchange for these 12 overpriced helicopters. Maybe there would be fewer reports of our brave air force pilots dying due to crappy helicopters.

If it was up to me I would have given these corrupt ministers Mig-21 to ride

 

[Ayush]

Abingdonboy is the only senseless fool who would defend such a purchase when farmers die everyday in India. Go fuk him and anyone else who defend such a purchase.

That being said, who We need to look at all angles. Were Russians involved in sterring this deal towards them? Why the Italian company bribe when their product is so surperior? Or does this point to a larger issue I and others have been saying for yrs, corruption is deeply rooted in the military purchase system? It would explain a lot more. Another point for others to consider our CBI has not solved one defence related scam in 30 f-ing yrs. YEa so those who say lets investigate....plz shove it.

mate,i agree with you.the deal was a bit too expensive.but you shouldnt go personal.

 

[axisofevil]

mate,i agree with you.the deal was a bit too expensive.but you shouldnt go personal.

Sry lost my marbles when ppl try to defend this atrocious behavior. I know we should listen to all sides and not run to conclusions....but its been so damn obvious. Again you are right, no need to make this a personal matter.





Abiingdonboy andothers sry .....nothing personal. I'll temper my emotions.

 

[scarcry]

PMO unhappy with the idea of cancellation of AgustaWestland chopper deal: sources | Advocates in India

May not be canelled after all eh lads? What's your speak abingdon-man?

http://advocatesindia.org/pmo-unhappy-with-the-idea-of-cancellation-of-agustawestland-chopper-deal-sources

May not be canelled after all eh lads? What's your speak abingdon-man?

 

[Abingdonboy]

Really? I am extremely glad that the deal will be cancelled. 12 helicopters for Rs 3760 crore. Are they ****in kidding me ? What have our politicians done till now to deserve this? The ones who are indeed respectable people like the prime minister and president already have private jets and helicopters that meet the best standards possible. On the other hand , 80 Mi-17 helicopters cost Rs 7700 crore. Let the politicians travel in those and these helicopters can also be used by the army.

Probably the only relevant thing that differentiates these Mi-17s from the AW101 is this pic of the interior.

Vs



Most of our politicians do not deserve this level of comfort for a ride that would probably last 1-2 hours at best. I'm sure the army will find great use for the 55-60+ Mi-17s that could be bought in exchange for these 12 overpriced helicopters. Maybe there would be fewer reports of our brave air force pilots dying due to crappy helicopters.

Sir, these AW-101s are EXCLUSIVELY for the PM,President,service cheifs,2-3 senior cabinet ministers and visiting heads of state. I have reiterated this point again and again. This helo is being bought to REPLACE the existing helos of the PM/President.


Not just any old MP or bureaucrat will be allowed to fly in this helo.

 

[Koovie]

Really? I am extremely glad that the deal will be cancelled. 12 helicopters for Rs 3760 crore. Are they ****in kidding me ? What have our politicians done till now to deserve this? The ones who are indeed respectable people like the prime minister and president already have private jets and helicopters that meet the best standards possible. On the other hand , 80 Mi-17 helicopters cost Rs 7700 crore. Let the politicians travel in those and these helicopters can also be used by the army.

Probably the only relevant thing that differentiates these Mi-17s from the AW101 is this pic of the interior.

Vs



Most of our politicians do not deserve this level of comfort for a ride that would probably last 1-2 hours at best. I'm sure the army will find great use for the 55-60+ Mi-17s that could be bought in exchange for these 12 overpriced helicopters. Maybe there would be fewer reports of our brave air force pilots dying due to crappy helicopters.

This helicopters are intended for the PM, and other high ranking politicians (ministers and cabinet members) as well as foreign politicians visiting India. There is no need to rant around with your usual political whining.

 

[jha]

Deal will not be cancelled. Thats for sure. AW can kiss Goodbye to any helicopter deals in future though..

 

[blackjack]

Sir, these AW-101s are EXCLUSIVELY for the PM,President,service cheifs,2-3 senior cabinet ministers and visiting heads of state.

Sorry for nitpicking, but only PM, President, service chiefs and visiting heads of state are authorised. Anyone else has to pay for its use, including Home Minister.