27 October 2012

India: MoD Asks Italy for an Early Response on Augusta Westland Copter Deal

AW 101 (Wiki Info - Image from Wiki Commons)

In response to media reports alleging irregularities in the contract for 12 Helicopters from Augusta Westland for VVIP use, the Ministry of Defence has once again taken up the matter with the Italian government through the Ministry of External Affairs and has asked for an early response on the issue. The Italian government has been requested to provide details of the existence, if any, of any middlemen or any individual or Indian entity in the above mentioned contract. 

The MoD has asked the Italian government and concerned agencies there through MEA to provide the name and relevant documents relating to the alleged involvement of a Brigadier in the ongoing process for the acquisition of 197 Light Utility Helicopters for the Indian Army. 

MoD will take strong action against the offenders detected through this probe.