No tender issued to buy VVIP choppers: Manohar Parrikar

NEW DELHI: Government today said no tender has been issued to purchase VVIP chopers after it terminated a deal with Agusta Westland International from January this year on grounds of "breach" of pre-contract integrity pact.

However, it said the Defence Ministry has issued orders for dealing with Finmeccanica group of companies and other companies figuring in the FIR registered by CBI in cases which are at various stages of procurement.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said "no tender has been issued to purchase VVIP choppers.

"Consequent to the registration of a a case by CBI to inquire into criminal wrongdoings in the procurement of VVIP helicopters, Defence Ministry has issued orders for dealing with Finmeccanica group of companies and other companies figuring in the FIR registered by CBI in cases which are at the various stages of procurement," he said.

To a question on the quantum of money paid as advance in the chopper deal, he said the total amount paid to the vendor was Rs 1586.66 crore -- Rs 519.89 crore as advance payment in March 2010 and Rs 1066.77 crore as payment against completion of first milestone.

Three AW 101 helicopters were inducted in Indian Air Force before the contract was terminated, he added.