The Government has shortlisted American aircraft manufacturing firm Boeing, with its Chinook helicopter, for procuring 15 heavy-lift choppers for the Indian Air Force, Defence Minister A. K. Antony told the Rajya Sabha today.

In a written reply to the House, he said the cost of the contract would depend on the outcome of contract negotiations with the company.

“In the proposal initiated by the IAF for procurement of 15 heavy-lift helicopters, Boeing with Chinook helicopters has emerged as the L-1 vendor. The cost of the contract would depend upon the outcome of the contract negotiation with the L-1 vendor, which has yet not been concluded,” Antony said.

The Field Evaluation Trials for these helicopters conducted by IAF have found them to be compliant with all the stated Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs), he said.

Replying to a separate question on purchase of 197 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), Antony said the procurement is under examination.

He was asked whether the Ministry deferred its decision for purchasing 197 LUHs after allegations of a demand for kickbacks of Rs 25 crore was levelled on it.

“The Ministry has not deferred its decision of purchasing of 197 LUHs and the procurement case is under examination. The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) lays down stringent guidelines to effect utmost probity and transparency in procurement transactions,” the Defence Minister said.