Exclusive- Does the procurement policy need less loopholes?
Neelam Mathews July 7, 2012 With flight and technical evaluations complete for the Indian Navy’s bid for 16 multi-role helicopters for its sea and off-shore operations, the clearance from the Cabinet Committee of Security is awaited. The two final contenders are Sikorsky’s S-70B and the European consortium’s NH-90. Last year, India rejected Lockheed Martin’s request for consideration of its NH-60 under Foreign Military Sales. A controversy may be brewing that will delay the much needed acquisition by at least another four years – having already being delayed by six years- and, given the rupee depreciation hike up costs further. Aerospace Diary learns with Sikorsky now having being given exemption from certain compliances it could not adhere to, will make the NH-90 more expensive, though its (NH-60) life cycle costs will be competitive, given that it is a newer machine. The Europeans are said to be looking for a waiver based on low requirements to enable them to furnish a l...