Decision-Time For Indian’s 197 Light Utility Helicopter Tender

After prolonged delays, the Indian military’s plans to procure 197 light utility vehicles (LUH) for the Army and Air force could see the light of day anytime soon. Eurocopter and Russian Kamov, the two contenders, could be called for a formal opening of their respective commercial bids which would decide which of the two offers a lower overall price. The bid of the two contenders had been extended till December 2011, but since then there had been no forward movement on it. Reports in the Indian media said that due to “inconsistencies in the technical evaluation of the two bids”, a technical oversight committee had been formed which has since submitted its report. Some reports have indicated that there was a possibility that the tender could be scrapped if any evidence is found relating to tender deviations or any other malpractice. However, there has been no official word from the Indian MoD about the progress of the tender. Industry sources told defenseworld.net that a decision on the helicopter purchase could happen ‘sooner than later’ as the need to replace the ageing Cheetah/Chetaks was getting increasingly urgent. The LUH will replace the fleet of Cheetah/ Chetak choppers procured in the 1970s. Out of the 197 choppers, over 130 will go to the army and the remaining will be operated by the air force.