03 June 2016

News Story: Indian MoD - Black Shark Torpedo Deal for Navy Cancelled

Vivek Raghuvanshi

NEW DELHI — Plans to procure Black Shark torpedoes for the Indian Navy from WASS, a subsidiary of Leonardo-Finmeccanica, was cancelled last week, a Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed with Defense News.

The decision comes in the wake of corruption charges involving another subsidiary of Italy's Leonardo-Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland, and the Indian National Congress political party.

"A decision has been taken last week and [a] cancellation process is underway and alternatives are being worked out," MoD spokesman Nitin Wakankar said.

The Navy sought Black Shark torpedoes to mount them on the six Scorpene submarines when they begin induction this year.

After cancelling the helicopter contract with AgustaWestland in January 2014, the new government, after coming to power in May 2014, issued a partial ban against Leonardo-Finmeccanica and its subsidiaries. Ongoing contracts continued, while fresh deals were banned.

Read the full story at DefenseNews