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| US pips Russia as 'lowest bidder' for heavy-lift 15-chopper deal | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 28 2012, 03:32 PM (658 Views) | |
| arnie | Oct 28 2012, 03:32 PM Post #1 |
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NEW DELHI: The US is now all set to bag yet another mega Indian defence deal, with the iconic Boeing-manufactured Chinook heavy-lift helicopters emerging as the cheaper option than its strong contender the Russian Mi-26 choppers. Defence ministry sources said the commercial bid for the twin-rotor Chinook, which has seen recent action in Iraq and Afghanistan, has emerged as the "L-1 (lowest bidder)" in comparison to the Mi-26 after both the huge helicopters passed the extensive technical field trials conducted by Indian Air Force (IAF). Known for their powerful contra-rotating tandem rotors, Chinooks are being operated by around 20 countries for heavy-lift assault, troop movement, logistics support, aerial battlefield recovery and special operations. Capable of being refuelled mid-air for extended range, a Chinook can carry 55 combat-ready troops or over 11,100 kg of logistical supplies or weight. This is the second time that American helicopters have outclassed — both technically and commercially — their Russian counterparts in recent months. As reported earlier, India is getting ready to order 22 heavy-duty Apache attack helicopters for around $1.4 billion. Overall, the Indian armed forces are looking to induct as many as 900 helicopters in the coming decade, including 440 light-utility and observation, naval multi-role (90), light combat (65), heavy-duty attack (22), medium-lift (139) and heavy-lift (15), among others. Several of these procurement and production projects are meandering through the long-winding acquisition process. The US is increasingly bagging deals in the lucrative Indian defence market, having already notched up military sales worth over $8 billion in the last few years. These include the $4.1 billion contract for 10 C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlift aircraft, $2.1 billion for eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and $962 million for six C-130J "Super Hercules" planes. Negotiations are being finalized for acquiring six more C-130J as well as four more P-8I aircraft. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-pips-Russia-as-lowest-bidder-for-heavy-lift-15-chopper-deal/articleshow/16985381.cms |
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| keboiwa | Oct 29 2012, 02:49 AM Post #2 |
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going west bro arnie? |
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| arnie | Oct 29 2012, 04:57 PM Post #3 |
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Defense acquisition process is changing in India. In the past we had budget constraints but now we have good defense budget though it is still 2 to 3% of total GDP. So we can afford somewhat top of the line equipments. Its more like an open market where anyone can bid. We never put restrictions on us. Its not the first time India buying western equipments. We use european equipments too apart from Russian like our Mirages, Jaguars, AJT Hawks, French and German submarines, MBRL, field guns and many more. We didn't trust US in the past but relations are improving very fast so they also joined the bandwagon. But the credit goes to our communist friends up in the north for this improved relationship. |
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3:24 AM Jul 12