(a) whether India sold back to Britain the Westland helicopters purchased in 1996 because of their unsuitability for Indian conditions;
(b) if so, the number of helicopters purchased by India and resold to Britain now; and
(c) the price of helicopters paid by India and the price of resold helicopters received by India now?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE
FERNANDES)
(a) & (b): A total of 21 Westland helicopters, along
with associated equipment, were acquired during September,
1986 to February, 1988 under Overseas Development
Administration grant of government of United Kingdom for
Pounds Sterling 70 million. One Westland helicopter
crashed in 1988 and another helicopter met with a serious
accident in 1989. Since Westland Helicopters were found
unsafe for operations and economically unviable, these
helicopters were grounded, permanently, in February, 1991.
19 helicopters were sold back to UK.
(c) The helicopters were procured at the cost of Pounds
Sterling 70 million, whereas a sale award of 19
helicopters (including one damaged) is given to M/s AES
Aerospace, UK at the cost of Pounds Sterling 9 million.
The first shipment of the helicopters/spares has been sent
to UK and Pounds Sterling 4.5 million have been received
in respect of first shipment and deposited in Government
of India Treasury. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd., is taking
steps to complete the transaction/formalities for the
shipment of second consignment and to obtain the remaining
amount of Pounds Sterling 4.5 million.