The Central Bureau of Investigation Friday registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the alleged bribery in the Rs. 18.8 crore deal for supply of aircraft engines to state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by Britain's Rolls Royce.
The agency has named unknown officials of HAL, Aashmore Private Limited owner Ashok Patni and Rolls Royce in the enquiry.
CBI registered the case after Defence Minister AK Antony ordered the agency to look after into the supply of engines to HAL during 2007-2011.
The deal relates to supply of engines for Hawk trainer and Jaguar fighter aircraft.
The allegations surfaced after a letter received by HAL claimed that bribes were paid to HAL officials. An internal probe by the vigilance wing of HAL has prima facie established the charges, sources said.
The move may affect several programmes of the Indian Air Force.