India lifts Denel blacklisting
India’s MoD lifted a nine-year ban on South African defence company Denel on 12 August, according to an Indian official.
The company was put on a blacklist in 2005 after allegations of kickbacks to secure a 2002 deal for 1,000 NTW 20 anti-materiel rifles and associated ammunition.
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) worked the case but failed to prove any charges against Denel. When Shephard approached Denel they declined to comment.
The scandal had far-reaching effects as it stalled India’s 155mm L/52 towed howitzer programme in which Denel was a frontrunner. Also nullified was the Bhim programme using a
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