Scams related to the procurement of military hardware have surfaced frequently in India since the procurement of the Bofors guns from Sweden for the Indian Army in the 1980s.

The most recent scam, which was particularly traumatic for the Indian Air Force (IAF), was related to the procurement of 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian firm, for VVIP travel.

In this ugly episode, the reputation of a former Chief of Air Staff lay shattered and a red-faced Indian Air Force (IAF) was literally left holding the baby! The contract was cancelled after three helicopters had been delivered, and these are parked at IAF Station in Palam, with the IAF not knowing what to do with them.

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