New Delhi: : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has zeroed in on the Italian Augusta Westland EH/US 101 helicopter, which has also been chosen as the US President’s new ‘Marine One’, for ferrying VVIPs like the Prime Minister and the President of India.

While the deal for 12 VVIP transport helicopters has not yet been signed, sources at South Block confirmed that the Augusta Westland EH/US 101 helicopter had been shortlisted for commercial negotiations after it beat its nearest rival, Sikorsky’s S 92 Superhawk, on technical grounds.

The IAF had floated global tenders in 2005 for procuring a specialised rotary wing aircraft with missile protection systems.

Both the S-92 Superhawk and the EH/US-101 were the frontrunners in the race. However, the larger Augusta Westland, which has three engines against the S 92’s two power packs, has been chosen due to its greater passenger-carrying capacity and flying range. Besides providing VVIPs a comfortable flight, the helicopters will have limited defence against ground fire and missile attacks in addition to the latest communication equipment.

India had also signed a deal with the US Government in 2005 to purchase three Boeing Business Jets for VVIP travel. The first aircraft is expected to arrive by the end of July.