Govt Keeps Decision Hanging On 'Clean' Torpedo Deal

[thestringshredder]

A deal for Black Shark torpedoes, built by Finmeccanica subsidiary WASS, has been held up for months following a steady stream of complaints that corrupt practices helped the deal through. The latest was reportedly a letter from a Member of Parliament. The war has been over Atlas Elektroniks, the contender that lost out in the deal (here's a detailed report in the Business Standard newspaper). The torpedoes are intended to arm India's Scorpene attack submarines under construction at the Mazagon Dock Ltd shipyards in Mumbai.

As things stand, it appears that a decision remains hanging despite committees declaring the deal 'clean'. Here's what Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in Indian Parliament today:

"The contract for procurement of Black Shark torpedoes has not yet been finalised. Representations/references have been received from different quarters including from one competing vendor and Members of Parliament. Special Technical Oversight Committee was constituted with approval of DAC (Defence Acquisition Council) to review the evaluation process and complaints received. The STOC has opined that the procurement has been progressed in accordance with the laid down procedures, in keeping with the provisions of the RFP (Request for Proposal) and DPP-06 in transparent and fair manner. The DAC has considered the STOC Report and accepted the same in September, 2012. Government has not taken a final decision on the procurement."

Link - Livefist: Govt Keeps Decision Hanging On 'Clean' Torpedo Deal

 

[neehar]

i think there must be a separate body appointed in order too look after these defence deals.too much allegations these days in defence

 

[Koovie]

No! No Italians. They have shown that they cannot keep their words. Dirty backstabbers!

 

[anant_s]

after what they have done in Marines case, i believe the deal would also run into trouble and may be used as some kind of bargaining chip by India. In last month or so lot of things have turned from bad to worse as far as India- Italy relations are concerned.