Nepal Army (NA) is preparing to finalize the selling of its aged Puma Helicopter to Africa as the organization has already decided to auction its two Super Puma, one Puma, five Alouette, and three MI-17s including one Cheetah chopper.
It has been more than 6 months of the announcement of bid for the auction however, NA has not been able to receive considerable bids. At present, the auction of 3 helicopters and one plane is in progress.
One Puma helicopter will be dispatched to the Africa soon as NA is lobbying through its officers at African continent. The details of the buying company is not disclosed. The helicopter is expected to perform well after the necessary maintenance however, the delivery process is also not yet confirmed.
As been reported, NA has already received advance for auction of two Super Puma helicopter and one Avro. But the further processing is yet to be initiated.
After the government allowed the Army to buy three helicopters and a light plane as part of plan to equip the national defense force for emergency situation, NA decided to sell the grounded helicopters.
NA had announced the total bidding amount of Rs 1.55 billion for the choppers and spare parts. According to NA, two Super Puma choppers’ initial bidding has been declared as Rs 596 million and two Alouettes (Serviceable if repaired) Rs 400 million.
Nepal Army is preparing to procure two Russian made Mi-17 V5 helicopter.
Besides, NA has also secured the purchase of CN-235 multi-mission military aircraft from Indonesia. Indonesian aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara (PTDI) announced that the purchase contract was signed on June 16. The aircraft is expected to be delivered to Nepal within 15 months. Likewise, negotiations is going on with PTDI for the purchase of second CN-235-200M.
NA previously received budget approval for acquiring one helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft. The ministry declared to facilitate NA with additional amount of Rs8crores 56lakhs for the two fixed wing aircraft to be used for training purpose whereas Rs37 crores has been already included in the budget. Likewise, Rs41.8 crores has been allocated for the purchase of light helicopter.
Along with the procurement of new aircraft, Nepal Army is trying to auction its aged aircraft and spare parts and clear some space at its hangar at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
