India Orders Probe Into AW101 Copter Deal, Warns Of Consequences

AW 101 in IAF VVIP livery | Image/AgustaWestland

This statement just came from the Indian MoD:Defence Minister AK Antony today directed his ministry officials to get a fresh report from the Indian Embassy in Rome following a media report alleging malpractices in the procurement of 12 helicopters for the VVIP Communication Squadrons of the Indian Air Force from Ms. Agusta Westland. There were media reports also in February 2012 about investigations undertaken by Italian authorities into alleged unethical dealings by M/s Finmeccanica Italy.  Following this, information was sought by MoD from the Indian Embassy in Rome. The Indian Embassy reported that Italian authorities were conducting preliminary investigations on allegations of financial malpractices occurring within Finmeccanica and its subsidiaries in general.  There was no specific probe being conducted on India-related transactions. There is no clear indication at this stage whether the India related deal would be probed on the strength of preliminary investigations.

It may be recalled that the contract for the procurement of the helicopters contains the standard provisions against use of undue influence and employment of agents and payment of agency commission.  A Pre-Contract Integrity Pact has also been signed between Agusta Westland and MoD.

Any such complaint or allegation received will be investigated and the contractual provisions invoked, in case any wrong doiThe Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today directed his ministry officials to get a fresh report from the Indian Embassy in Rome following a media report alleging malpractices in the procurement of 12 helicopters for the VVIP Communication Squadrons of the Indian Air Force from Ms. AgustaWestland.

There were media reports also in February 2012 about investigations undertaken by Italian authorities into alleged unethical dealings by M/s Finmeccanica Italy.  Following this, information was sought by MoD from the Indian Embassy in Rome. The Indian Embassy reported that Italian authorities were conducting preliminary investigations on allegations of financial malpractices occurring within Finmeccanica and its subsidiaries in general.  There was no specific probe being conducted on India-related transactions. There is no clear indication at this stage whether the India related deal would be probed on the strength of preliminary investigations.

It may be recalled that the contract for the procurement of the helicopters contains the standard provisions against use of undue influence and employment of agents and payment of agency commission.  A Pre-Contract Integrity Pact has also been signed between AgustaWestland and MoD. Any such complaint or allegation received will be investigated and the contractual provisions invoked, in case any wrong doing is established, in addition to action that may be required under law.ng is established, in addition to action that may be required under law. 

13 thoughts on “India Orders Probe Into AW101 Copter Deal, Warns Of Consequences”

  1. o lord! a handful of choppers that too not for active warfare & problems even in that?
    what next?legal case for procurement of tooth picks by the army??

  2. Please report about the rare and few deals that have really been cleared stain free. This may embolden the sinking hearts.

  3. The rafale deal is sure to get cancelled. With personalities like Amitabh Bachchan directly involved in Bofors scam and looting tax payers money, what else can we expect from our country. God save India.

  4. This is one IAF contract I will be glad to see cancelled! Our netas don't have the brains or sense of duty to get a basic trainer for our IAF but rush in to pamper themselves with a luxury helo

  5. Corruptionnnn corruptionnnn . The upa goverment should change their name to UCA means united corruptive alliance from upa means united progressive alliance.

  6. Sheeesh this is getting ridiculous. Now yet another international defense contractor will get black listed, another item of equipment (albeit one that is not needed) will be cancelled that too months before delivery, and still the fools who took the money and signed the deal will remain in the employ of GOI and UPA. Such is Desi Justice….

  7. The only consequences will be that our forces will continue not to get the equipment and systems they desperately need.

  8. Sir.
    What is the status of LCH. HAL/DRDO must expedite the progress. More number of units must be produced for faster testing. It is quite some time that no new LCH has come out from HAL. Delay is often forced upon by agents of foreign manufacturers.
    HAL/DRDO had a plan to develop a medium capacity helicopter on the platform of ALH. What is the status.
    Also please inform how many ALHs were produced by HAL this financial year.

  9. What should suppliers do? If A company doesn't grease palms, the deal will be given to company B, which is ready to grease the corrupt peoples' palm.

  10. What will be the consequences? Antony and his Italian Madam & Price along with his UPA colleagues will fart in such a way that the 'roar' will be heard all over the world?
    Idiots!

    A Malayali

  11. don't forget this official declaration by indian embassy about AgustaWestland affaire: "no probe into 2010 AW101 deal"

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