No final Decision Yet on Army Chopper Deal: Antony

New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) The Government was yet to take a final decision on purchase of some 200-odd helicopters for the Army -- though the 800-million Dollar deal was already embroiled in controversy.

Defence Minister AK Antony today clarified that the helicopters-for-the-Army contract was yet to be finalised after he was asked whether his Ministry had ordered a probe into the proposed purchase of 197 helicopters in view of alleged irregularities.

Interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of a function here, the Defence Minister assured that the Government would ''examine all aspects when we take a final decision''.

The Ministerial assurance came in the backdrop of questions raised by US aviation major Bell whose helicopter was disqualified after trials.

According to reports, European consortium EADS had been called for Final Price Negotiations after the Army conducted trials with Bell's 407 helicopter and Eurocopter's Fennac.

The Minister, however, parried questions on whether a fresh tender would be floated for the deal.

He also brushed aside queries as to whether India was on the verge of supplying its indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter 'Dhruv' to Myanmar.

''There was a query from Yangon... but no decision has been taken so far... Nothing is finalised,'' he said.

UNI