The Nepal Army has opened bidding to sell its 12 grounded helicopters, including the Cheetah that it acquired during the Maiost insurgency.
It has called for bids for its two Super Puma, one Puma, five Alouette, three MI-17s and one Cheetah choppers.
The base price has been fixed at Rs 1.55 billion for the choppers and spare parts.
Two Super Puma copters whose initial bidding has been posted at Rs 596 million and two Alouettes with initial price of Rs 400 million are serviceable if repaired, according to the Army.
The bidding was called on May 30 for the first time with the final bidding date for June 20. But rebidding was called on Friday as the first call failed to attract bidders.
The decision to sell the grounded helicopters was taken after the government allowed the Army to buy three helicopters and a light plane as part of plan to equip the national defence force for emergency situation.
The erstwhile government through a Cabinet meeting on March 6 had paved the way for the Army to buy one medium and two light helicopters.
The government has approved Rs 20 billion for the purpose and has already released Rs 3 billion. The NA has already signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with PT Dirgantara Indonesia to buy a 49-seater CN235-220 plane.
According to the bidding notice, interested firms can apply at the Directorate of General of Army Aviation by July 13. The Directorate has fixed Rs 1.03 billion for 12 choppers and Rs 550 million for spare parts.
The Nepal Army currently owns 10 functional helicopters, including three MI-16s, one Super Puma, one Bell and one Écureuils.
The Army’s only Skytruck crashed at Kolti Airport in Bajura on May 30. Two pilots were killed.
The only Sky Truck crashed in Kolti Airport in Bajura killing two pilots.
Binod Ghimire covers parliamentary affairs and human rights for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2010, he has reported primarily on social issues, focusing on education and transitional justice.
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