DHAKA: India on Saturday invited bids for a US$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 since the scandal-hit Swedish Bofors guns deal in 1987.

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

The high-value bid comes as India seeks to replace its old 105mm light field guns with a mix of towed, mounted and wheeled artillery, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1857 HRS, NOV 22, 2014