The tender has been awarded to the lowest evaluated substantially responsive bidder, M/s Winsley Defence Group d.o.o. of Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented locally by M/s Securatec Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
The total estimated cost of the overhaul is around US$ 18 million (approximately Rs. 5.4 billion), with each helicopter costing about US$ 4.5 million. The amount also includes two-way transportation of the aircraft and insurance coverage.
The bids for the overhaul were initially called in 2023, but the procurement process had faced delays due to administrative procedures.
An SLAF official said the overhaul is urgently required, as the service deadlines of the helicopters are already overdue. He cautioned that further delays could affect critical operations such as flood relief, emergency evacuations and international peacekeeping missions undertaken by SLAF personnel.
A detailed report on the MI-17 overhaul project is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet next week.
