After AugustaWestland, ‘Embraer’ set to embarrass UPA

New Delhi: A day after charges of briber against Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer involving a 210 million dollar aircraft deal with India surfaced, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today asked the company to provide explanation and all the details related to the matter.

DRDO had inked the contract in 2008 with the manufacturer of Embraer to acquire three aircraft to convert the platforms into airborne early warning system programme. DRDO was mandated to develop the radar and other related systems to make India's own AE&S platforms, which were being called 'Desi AWACS'. "DRDO to seek explanation & details from manufacturers of Embraer aircraft on media reports on deal for the aircraft signed in 2008," a Defense Ministry official spokesperson today said in a tweet.

He said on receipt of information by DRDO, further steps may be initiated. This is the second deal after the controversial VVIP helicopters signed during the UPA rule which has hit briber scandal. According to the reports published in the Brazilian media authorities in US and Brazil are probing charges that the company hired a middleman based out of England to clinch the deal with India.

The report said Embraer allegedly finalised a contract to hire a representative for the Indian deal. It said a copy of the contract was kept in a safe in England, with one key held by the Brazilian company and another by the representative hired. (UNI)