Recently, allegations had surfaced in Italy that bribes

were demanded by officers involved in the trial process of light helicopters from AgustaWestland. The deferment comes against the backdrop of a major scam unfolding with regard to the 2010 deal for procuring 12 helicopters for Indian VVIPs from AugustaWestland, with allegations that around Rs 352 crore were paid as kickbacks in the Rs 3600 crore contract. The 197 light helicopters are to replace the ageing Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, which are critical for providing supplies to troops deployed in Siachen Glacier and other high altitude areas. Earlier also, a tender was scrapped in 2007 when it was in the final stages of negotiations with Eurocopter.