Concerned over reports alleging kickbacks in the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Friday ordered an inquiry to find out whether corruption was involved in its procurement.
Sources in the Ministry said Mr. Antony has asked Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma to inquire into reports from Italy that prosecutors there were looking into allegations of corruption in the over Rs. 3,500 crore deal signed by India.
Italian defence major Finmeccanica's subsidiary AgustaWestland is supplying 12 AW101 helicopters for VVIP travel. The contract was signed two years ago and delivery of the first batch is due this year with the entire fleet to be handed over by next year. The company had won the order against American Sikorsky S-92. The new helicopters would replace the ageing Russian-made Mi-8 helicopters that are nearing completion of their operational life.
