Coast Guard to get its own fleet of choppers, demands for which were raised post 26/11 Mumbai attacks!

Thanks to the lengthy government procedure to take decisions! The Indian Coast Guard, which raised the demand for its own fleet of medium lift choppers after 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is finally close to getting it.

The Mumbai attacks in 2008 exposed chinks in the surveillance and interception capabilities of the force, so the demand was raised to cover larger areas faster with the new fleet.

The coast guard currently operates ageing Chetaks as well as indigenous Advanced Light Choppers (ALH) for patrolling, search and rescue and casualty evacuation.

According to sources, Airbus as emerged as the lead bidder for Rs 2,000 crore contract to procure 14 helicopters. The EC 725 is learnt to have beat its competitor, Sikorsky's S 92 after commercial bids were opened earlier this month.

While initially, three competitors were bidding for the contract, Italian firm Finmeccanica was dropped in 2014 after it came under a corruption taint following the VVIP chopper deal scandal.

Both the EC 725 and S 92 managed to meet all the technical requirements of the coast guard after two years of extensive trials, the Airbus machine turned out to be cheaper, said senior officials.

The contract will also lead to the pumping in of over Rs 600 crores into the Indian defence and aerospace manufacturing sector as it carries an offset obligation of at least 30% for the winner. However, the conclusion of the contract would take a few more months after price negotiations with Airbus.

"We are in touch with the Indian MoD regarding the tender for 14 shore-based helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard and will be honoured to progress our discussions with them," an Airbus spokesperson said.

(Image: Indiatimes)