New Delhi, August 22The Navy today issued global request for information (RFI) for procurement of 111 utility and 123 multi-role helicopters under the recently launched strategic partnership model for defence procurement.Official sources said the RFI had been issued to identify original equipment maker for both the utility helicopters as well as multi-role choppers, which are being procured as part of the Navy’s modernisation plan.The procurement of both categories of choppers would cost the government in excess of $15 billion, according to experts who said the two contracts could be one of the largest globally in recent times.They said the Defence Ministry was likely to soon issue RFI to select the Indian defence manufacturer, which will join hands with the foreign entity or entities for production of the choppers as mandated under the strategic partnership model.The last date to respond to the RFI issued today by the Navy is October 6. — PTI