Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture 187 of the 384 light helicopters the Indian military requires. But the Indian Army has "put its foot down" against the move, saying the state-owned company is already running behind schedule on crucial equipment deliveries.
The Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) Thursday decided to invite a combined bid for 384 helicopters - 259 for the Indian Army and 125 for the India Air Force. "The committee, at its meeting today (Thursday), decided to club together the demands of the army and the air force. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will soon be issued," an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.