Plan to modernise IAF airfields runs into rough weather

A project worth Rs 1,200 crore for a much needed modernisation of airbases across the country has entered troubled waters...

A project worth Rs 1,200 crore for a much needed modernisation of airbases across the country has entered troubled waters with competitors approaching the Defence Ministry’s Vigilance Department against unfair practices in the selection process.

The project,which includes an air traffic management system,navigational aids and an airfield lightning system for 30 frontline airbases of the Indian Air Force (IAF),was sanctioned last year with six bidders vying for the mega deal.

However,the selection process is set to get delayed with competitors pointing to ‘discrepancies’ in the technical evaluation process that led to the short listing of all six bidders. The Vigilance Department of the Defence Ministry was approached and it is learnt that inquiries have been sent to the Air Force asking it to clarify its stand.

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Competitors have alleged that the requirements of the Air Force in the original tender were diluted to accommodate all companies. It has also been alleged that several top companies,including Northrop Grumman,Lockheed Martin and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) did not take part in the competition even after being invited by the IAF due to loopholes in the tender document.

While all six bidders,which included consortiums of Indian companies with foreign firms,were short listed for the project,the complaint says rules have been diluted that helped at least two companies qualify for the final round of commercial negotiations.

In one instance,one of the companies in the consortium bidding for the contract has been blacklisted by a South Asian country for providing faulty runway lightning equipment. In the other case,it has been alleged that the Indian company that is the lead integrator of the project has a turnover of less than 1/10th of the contract value,ignoring financial guidelines.

The modernisation project includes the setting up of an Instrument Landing System,Tactical Air Navigation System,Communication Equipment and a CAT 2 airfield lightning system.