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The Indian Air Force dropped the global tender it had floated for the acquisition of 22 attack helicopters since none of the bidders fared up to the expectation of the India. Although the major bidders like EADS and the Italian Finnmeccanica have been informed of the cancellation, it was indicated that a fresh tender will be floated for the same in the near future.
The Franco-German-controlled EADS which owns the Eurocopter and the military helicopter Tiger was aiming to clinch this major defence deal. The Italian defence group Finmeccanica, whose unit AgustaWestland was one of participants, and the Russian Rosoboronexport on behalf of Russian manufacturer Mil were also disappointed.
Apparently, these companies did not meet the service qualitative requirements of India. However, the firms are determined not to miss this opportunity and will be bidding again for the fresh tender. In fact, U.S major Boeing which had earlier dropped out of the race will also be reviewing the new tender and may decide to bid.
India is on the global hunt for attack helicopters designed to assault targets on the ground and the new force of anti-armour attack helicopters would be capable of operating at high altitudes. India has been planning the overhaul and replacement of its fleet of military helicopters amid growing security risks in the region. It relies on an ageing fleet of Russian MI-25 and MI-35 helicopter gunships designed by Russia’s Mil.
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