Defence Ministry seeks CBI probe into Embraer aircraft deal

The Defence Ministry has written a letter to CBI seeking a probe into the allegations of kickbacks in the 2008 deal with Brazilian aircraft maker, Embraer. The 208 million US dollar deal of the UPA era has come under the scanner of the US authorities over alleged payment of bribe to secure the contract.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has already sought a report from the Brazilian firm, which said it has been looking into graft allegations over the last five years.

justify;">The company has been under investigation by the US Justice Department since 2010 when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised suspicions.

Since then, the investigation has widened to examine business dealings with eight more countries.The deal was signed between Embraer and the DRDO for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for airborne early warning and control systems.