NEW DELHI: India has floated its biggest ever global tenders for helicopters to acquire 384 light choppers in a bid to make army aviation match buildup by its adversaries China and Pakistan.
Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest weapon contract clearing agency in the government at a meeting cleared the bid to invite international bid for these helicopters needed to boost up deployment on its Himalayan frontiers with China, and area which till 2008 lacks road connectivity.
Army Aviation, till now a fledgling air operator, will get a major boost as 259 helicopters are being purchased to bolster the force which plays a key role in world's highest battle-field Siachen and all along the 3000 Km long border with China.
The remaining 125 choppers of the total of 384 are being purchased in a deal which is estimated to run up to USD 2 billion. With this deal, the government has finally cleared the deck to replace armed forces' ageing fleet of French acquired Chetak and Cheetah.
Of the new helicopters, 197 are sought to be bought off the shelf and the remaining would be assembled in India, by HAL, Bangalore under technology transfer.
Government, also has under consideration the proposal to buy 100 more helicopters including heavy-lift helicopters, armed gunships, rotor-based UAVs, as well as anti-submarine and air early warning helicopters for the Navy. Contract will have 50 per cent offset component.
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