Tenders for attack copters scrapped

Almost a year after it floated a global tender to acquire 22 attack helicopters for the Air Force,the Government has scrapped the acquisition process....

Almost a year after it floated a global tender to acquire 22 attack helicopters for the Air Force,the Government has scrapped the acquisition process and will now float a fresh request for proposals.

Fresh tenders will be posted as none of the bidding companies managed to meet the minimum requirements. This will now push back the acquisition process to procure replacements for the ageing Mi 35 helicopters by at least a year.

The attack chopper procurement has had its brush with controversy after the American firm that had been invited to bid pulled out of the contract,citing strict deadlines by the ministry that did not leave enough time to get permissions from the US Congress.

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The IAF has been asked to draw a fresh set of realistic requirements so that the tender can be floated as soon as possible.

Even after the RFPs have been floated,it will take at least three years before a vendor would be short- listed by India.

The Air Force is looking for a highly agile,heavily armed helicopter capable of performing a variety of combat missions.

The helicopters will be armed with anti-tank missiles,rockets,air-to-ground missiles and heavy machine guns. They will also be fitted with a self-protection system.

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Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigns after 19 killed in ‘Gen Z’ protests

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Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned after 19 people died during youth-led protests demanding reforms and accountability. The protests spread across major cities and police opened fire on demonstrators. Lekhak tendered his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during a Cabinet meeting, following calls from Nepali Congress leaders earlier in the day.

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