Just In: Airbus in talks with India for Panther Helicopters lease deal
India has started the year 2021 with lots of positivity in the defense sector. Especially Aero India 2021 has made lots of positive vibes for the country’s prospects in the defense aerospace industry. In yet another great news, the European Aviation giant Airbus has engaged in talks with India to lease out the Naval variant of Panther helicopters. The Panther helicopters will be operated upon the Indian Navy’s warships.
India is in the process of replacing the Indian Navy’s Chetak helicopters. Which was procured in the 1960s as Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH). Indian Navy looking to procure 111 latest and advanced Naval Utility Helicopter which is a long-pending request.
Thanks to the changes made in the procurement policies by the Indian government under the leadership of Mr.Narendra Modi. Now instead of importing weapons, the Indian Armed Forces can opt for a lease agreement. Earlier it was estimated, nearly $3 billion could be the most to procure 111 Naval Utility Helicopters.
Top Airbus official Maillard visiting Aero India 2021 has shed some light on the new deal under consideration with the Indian Navy.
“We are ready to offer leasing options and this is an excellent opportunity to meet the short-term immediate operational requirements, especially in the Indian Ocean. We believe there is a capability gap in the Indian Ocean Region and we would be delighted to offer our helicopters to the Indian Navy,” Maillard told ThePrint in an interview at Aero India 2021.
An article published by The Print has collaborated with lots of information during their interactions with the Airbus officials. Here is some key interaction on the lease agreement. Asked if leasing makes sense for an armed force, Maillard said it does, complementary to the procurement process. “The advantage of leasing is that you can quickly access the capability. Many countries are doing that. We provide leasing capabilities as well,” he added.
Asked about the numbers being talked about for leasing of the choppers, he said talks have not moved to that stage yet.
“We have not received the RFP (Request for Proposal), but we are very keen on supporting the Navy. We are in talks with the Navy, we have an excellent relationship with the Navy, and we have already discussed this leasing opportunity,” the top Airbus official said to The Print.
The Indian government is planning to spend over 100 billion US dollars to upgrade its Armed Forces. Many weapon systems in use are to be replaced with much more efficient and effective platforms. Global arms manufacturers are flogging in masses to get their share of the pie.
Source : The Print
