In a written reply to the House, he said the cost of contract will depend on outcome of contract negotiation with the company.
"In the proposal initiated by IAF for procurement of 15 heavy-lift helicopters, Boeing with Chinook helicopters has emerged as the L-1 vendor. The cost of contract would depend upon outcome of contract negotiation with the L-1 vendor, which has yet not been concluded," Antony said.
The Field Evaluation Trials for these helicopters conducted by IAF have found them to be compliant with all the stated Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs), he said.
Replying to a separate question on purchase of 197 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), Antony said the procurement is under examination.
He was asked whether the Ministry deferred its decision of purchasing 197 LUHs after allegations of demand of kickback of Rs 25 crore was levelled on it.
"The Ministry has not deferred its decision of purchasing of 197 LUHs and the procurement case is under examination. The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) lays down stringent guidelines to effect utmost probity and transparency in procurement transactions," the Defence Minister said. (More)
