Article Posted on : - Nov 24, 2011

A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Air Force is processing a case for procuring six air-to-air refullers from the global market, Defence Minister A K Antony told Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

In written reply to a question on purchase of mid-air refullers, he said, "IAF is processing a case for procurement of six air-to-air refullers from the global market."

On its likely induction schedule, he said, "The Defence Procurement Procedure envisages a timeline of about two and half years from the date of issue of request for proposal to conclusion of contract in such multi-vendor cases.

"The delivery schedule is expected to be between 36 and 51 months from the date of signing the contract."

Replying to a question on shortage of aircraft, Antony said, "Procurement and induction of different types of helicopters required for operational and transportation tasks is underway."

He said that the requirement of aircraft including helicopters is periodically reviewed and steps are taken to ensure that the operational requirement of the IAF are met.

In his reply to a question on the steps taken by the government to simplify the procurement process, he said, "To counter systemic and institutional delays, procedures are continuously refined on the basis of experience gained and feedback received during the procurement process."