PremiumAccording to original plans, the Indian Navy was to procure more than 100 helicopters under the strategic partnership model with private firms but those have run to rough weather
NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy on Friday started the process for leasing naval utility helicopters with the issue of a Request for Information (RFI) to foreign vendors and authorised leasing firms for 24 choppers.
The RFI document, available on the Ministry of Defence website, says that the lease will be for a period of five years and will include all maintenance support including performance-based logistics along with the training of air and maintenance crew.
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Premium According to original plans, the Indian Navy was to procure more than 100 helicopters under the strategic partnership model with private firms but those have run to rough weather. So it has decided to lease the helicopters to plug critical capability gaps.
The RFI document states that the helicopter needs to be five tonnes or below in weight and should be able to perform search and rescue and medical evacuation from sea, communication duties to and from ships at sea besides low intensity maritime operations while operating from ships and shore day and night.
The Navy has also specified that the helicopters should be twin-engined, with the capacity to seat two pilots, have wheeled landing gear and blade fold capability. They should also have a stand for a 7.62-mm gun, which will be provided by the user for “the Low Intensity Maritime Operations role."
The RFI says that the 24 helicopters will be leased by the Navy, including ground support equipment to operate from two bases — one each in the western and eastern seaboards.
“Lessor shall also indicate the possibility of delivering all 24 helicopters within two years from the contact signing date. The training schedule is to be in line with the delivery schedule. The Lessor should indicate readiness for commencement of delivery of the helicopters, support equipment and training. Lessor is to separately indicate with effect on lease cost for buying helicopters (at residual value) at the end of lease term and other implications, if any as well as extending the lease for a period of five years or part thereof," the RFI says.
Companies in contention will also have to provide an approximate of the insurance cost, which includes loss of the system in war and allied perils besides third party and direct claims, it says.
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Premium Premium The last date to reply to the RFI is 18 June, following which a formal order will be placed with the selected agency after getting required permissions from the defence ministry.
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