Embraer bribery charges: Brazilian aircraft maker likely to escape blacklisting net

11 September, New Delhi

Even as Defence Research and Development Organisation has sought an explanation from aircraft manufacturer Embrear within 15 days after charges of bribery and involvement of middlemen in a 210 million defence deal with India surfaced, the Brazilian firm is likely to escape from being blacklisted if the new norms of taking harsh measures against a tainted company are applied.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today gave first hint about the possible course of action on the charges. Speaking to media persons after taking part in function of Federation of Gujarat Industries he said, “If there is a criminal side then we will send to CBI, otherwise we will do internal investigation.”

“We can’t carry out entire investigation, just waiting for the report,” he said.

DRDO, which is lead agency in the AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and control) system development programmed and signed the contract for the procurement of three Embraer aircraft, has asked the Brazilian company to explain and provide the details within 15 days. The Defence Ministry has said that further action will be taken after receipt of information.

Parrikar, who has been openly advocating against using blacklisting path as the first measure unlike his predecessor AK Antony, had last month approved the new policy of blacklisting, which is said to be under scrutiny of the Law Ministry.

The deal to acquire three aircraft from Embraer of Brazil may be the first test case for the new norms, which were being said to be softer than the previous policy.