India Puts On Hold US$1.4 Billion Deal For 12 Japanese US-2 Aircraft

India’s Defense ministry has chosen to wait on making any decision on a proposal worth over Rs 10,000 crore (US$1.4 billion) for acquiring 12 Japanese amphibious aircraft for the Navy.

The goverment is seeking further clarification in the project, India today reported Thursday.

“There is a view in the Ministry that there is still need for further discussion on the requirement of these planes for the Navy and what roles would they play in the maritime force," an official said.

The Navy presently has plans to provide a detailed presentation to the government on how the planes would be useful for the force and bring in more clarity on the issue.

The deal was also taken up for discussion during the recent meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

The Navy has been pushing for the acquisition of these amphibious planes which can land on both sea and runways but the Defence Ministry’s acquisition wing has not been very keen for procuring it.

In the past, Joint Secretary-rank officers in the Ministry had questioned the proposal to buy the planes. These amphibious planes can land on both sea and runways and the Navy has been pushing for their acquisition. However, the Defence Ministry's acquisition wing has not been very keen for procurement of these aircraft.