Israel to Purchase ALH from India to Ferry VIPs
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Nov. 26, 2004)
JERUSALEM --- Israel is expected to purchase indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, from India for transportation of VIPs and defense officials, a media report said here.
Talks were on between the two sides over the deal, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) spokesman Doron Soslik was quoted as saying by 'Ha'aretz' daily.
The terms of the deals are yet to be finalized, he said.
IAI and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have joined hands to market Dhruv.
IAI, which has supplied the avionics system and glass cockpit for the 'international version' of the ALH, has been negotiating with the Israel Air Force on the deal.
The Israel Air Force dispersed its light helicopter squadron a year ago.
The deal is said to be part of the reciprocal procurement from India in exchange for its purchase of the Phalcon early warning system.
IAI officials told PTI that a joint team from India and Israel recently performed helicopter tests in Chile, which has shown keen interest in procuring Dhruv for its combined armed forces.
US Customs are also likely to purchase Dhruv, which is said to have proven reliability even in battlefield conditions, defense sources said.
The ALH set a new world record by flying at an altitude of around 8,000 meters in the Himalayan mountain ridge.
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www.defense-aerospace.com
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Nov. 26, 2004)
JERUSALEM --- Israel is expected to purchase indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, from India for transportation of VIPs and defense officials, a media report said here.
Talks were on between the two sides over the deal, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) spokesman Doron Soslik was quoted as saying by 'Ha'aretz' daily.
The terms of the deals are yet to be finalized, he said.
IAI and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have joined hands to market Dhruv.
IAI, which has supplied the avionics system and glass cockpit for the 'international version' of the ALH, has been negotiating with the Israel Air Force on the deal.
The Israel Air Force dispersed its light helicopter squadron a year ago.
The deal is said to be part of the reciprocal procurement from India in exchange for its purchase of the Phalcon early warning system.
IAI officials told PTI that a joint team from India and Israel recently performed helicopter tests in Chile, which has shown keen interest in procuring Dhruv for its combined armed forces.
US Customs are also likely to purchase Dhruv, which is said to have proven reliability even in battlefield conditions, defense sources said.
The ALH set a new world record by flying at an altitude of around 8,000 meters in the Himalayan mountain ridge.
-ends-
www.defense-aerospace.com