The Italian firm had pipped American Sikorsky to bag the

Rs 3,600 crore deal. In February 2010, India had inked the deal to acquire the 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for IAF's elite Communication Squadron, which ferries around the President, PM and other VVIPs. Despite initial objections from the finance ministry, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had cleared the deal in 2010. Defence Minister A K Antony had then said, "IAF and SPG repeatedly told us the helicopters were required because of the changing security scenario... The finance ministry also agreed later. The CCS then took a considered decision." As per earlier media reports, "slush money" allegedly generated by Finmeccanica through arms contracts was used to bribe Italian political parties. The Indian VVIP helicopter deal has also come in for some mention in the reports. After the allegations came to light, India had sought reports from the Italian investigators about their probe in the issue but no specific details were provided to it. In Parliament, Defence Minister A K Antony had said that if any wrongdoing is found in the case, "suitable penalty measures" will be taken by the Ministry. Antony had said the Defence Ministry was pursuing the matter and committed to take suitable penalty measures in event of allegations being substantiated. "However, in absence of any specific information in this regard, government has not ordered any formal inquiry into the case so far," he said.