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The Indian Army’s wait for the new choppers to replace its ageing fleet of ‘Cheetah’ helicopters has been delayed further because of the procurement process and indecision on the part of the Indian government.
In 2007, the contract for the acquisition of helicopters was scrapped due to the inconsistency in the selection process. The current tender for the acquisition of 197 helicopters is also plagued with delays since the Indian government is unable to make up its mind regarding the trials of the various helicopters that are vying. The current contract for 197 helicopters was issued last year and is worth $600 million.
Sources said that even after assurances given to competing firms that trials will be held shortly since technical evaluation has been completed, the international aviation firms are clueless. Since the deadline for summer trials in mid 2009 has passed by and there is no confirmation for the winter trials, the entire process will not take-off till 2010. This implies that the first of the new light helicopters will not be with India before 2013-14. Even the indigenous ‘Dhruv’ helicopter is unable to perform at the high altitudes in which ‘Cheetah’ is performing.
As for the ‘Cheetah’ helicopter which is ageing rapidly, it is one of the most important machines being used by both the Army and IAF for operations in extreme locations. Dubbed as the lifeline of the Army, this vintage ‘Cheetah’ helicopter is used to carry supplies to troops posted at high altitudes on the Pakistan and China border. The ‘Cheetah’ transports medicines, food and conducts rescue operations in extreme locations.
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