IAF to purchase helicopters from UK

New Delhi : Indian Air Force (IAF) will purchase helicopters from United Kingdom (UK).

The contract for procurement of 12 AW-101 helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) was signed between Ministry of Defence and Agusta Westland Ltd., United Kingdom at a total cost of Rs. 3546.17 crores on 8th February 2010.

The Ministry of Finance had raised certain issues relating to costs that were clarified while placing the proposal for consideration of the Government.

AW-101 is a three engine helicopter, whereas, Sikorsky S-92 is a twin engine helicopter.

The S-92 did not comply with certain mandatory Services Qualitative Requirements (SQRs) of the Request for Proposal and hence its commercial proposal was not opened.

This information was given by Defence Minister AK Antony in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.