March 04, 2013: One of India's most crucial purchases—197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH)—for the Army and IAF is likely to be delayed indefinitely according to reports. The process has remained stuck for over a year now with no decision taken on opening the bids of Eurocopter (for the AS 550 C3 Fennec) and Rosoboronexport (for the Kamov Ka-226T Sergei). The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) which was to take a decision in February has failed to do so thus far, leaving the procurement in abject limbo.

It may be pertinent to note that Eurocopter has refused to extend the validity of its commercial bids beyond March 31 this year, without adequate clarity on the decision-making process. Both companies have expressed deep concern at the lack of information emanating from the MoD on the procurement process of a crucially required platform for the armed forces. Eurocopter sources say, "There are no controversies in the acquisition process , with the entire sequence following as per the provisions of the DPP 2006 . In fact the only cause of real concern is the delay which has taken place since Jul 2008, when the RFP was issued in this case." The Defence Acquisition Council may take a call on the procurement in the coming week.