Agusta Westland won deal despite rival quoting less

NEW DELHI: A CBI probe into the multi-crore VVIP chopper scam revealed that the government gave the contract for 12 helicopters to AgustaWestland despite its closest competitor, US firm Sikorsky, quoting ₹1,738 crore less for same deal.

The probe agency said that even though Sikorsky had quoted a much lower price, the firm’s bid was never opened as it was disqualified after the field trial of its choppers.

The CBI, which during the probe managed to access Sikorsky’s unopened financial bid, stated in the chargesheet: “It has been found that M/S Sikorsky had quoted its price amounting to $5,06,64,78,523 (equivalent to ₹2,228 crore) for supply of 12 VVIP/non-VVIP helicopter whereas M/S had quoted its cost of Euro 592 million (₹3,966 crore) which is approximately 80% percent more than the rate quoted by M/S Sikorsky”.

The contract was later given to AgustaWestland for ₹3,726 crore in 2010.

The choppers were to be used for ferrying VVIPs including the PM and President but due to graft allegations, the contract was cancelled three years later.

Following its probe, the Central Bureau of Investigations filed a chargesheet against former air chief SP Tyag, his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi, lawyer Gautam Khaitan, alleged middlemen Christian Michel, Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke, former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and former Finmeccanica chairman Giuseppe Orsi.