NEW Delhi, July 23: To give a boost to manufacture of transport aircraft in the country, the Government today gave the green signal for the acquisition of 56 aircraft at an estimated cost of around Rs 12,000 crore.
The global tender for the deal would be issued soon, Ministry of Defence sources said, confirming that Defence Acquisition Council put its seal of approval today on the proposal.
Indian Air Force would replace its ageing fleet of Avro aircraft with the new one that will be 10 tonne load carrying capacity.
Selected foreign vendor for the deal shall have scout of an Indian partner for joint manufacturing either from public or private sector, sources said.
First sixteen of the 56 aircraft will be taken in fly away condition, according to proposed Request for Proposal (RFP) while next 30 would have 30 per cent indigenous component and rest of the 24 will be 60 per cent indigenous.
Delivery of these aircraft will commence within 48 months of signing of the deal, sources said.
DAC in its meeting also cleared the revised defence offset policy.
A new offset management agency shall be constituted to facilitate the banking credit, monitoring and policy formation in this regard, sources said. (UNI)
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