India invites bids for $2.4bn artillery contract

India has invited bids for a $2.4-billion artillery deal while deferring a decision on acquiring 106 Swiss Pilatus aircraft for fighter pilot training.

The bid for 814 mounted guns is the first big artillery tender in nearly three decades.

The Defence Acquisition Council, which clears high-value military procurements, issued the tender after holding its first meeting under new Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.