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US offers 12 choppers on lease to India
Gautam Datt
First Published : 06 Jun 2009 12:17:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
NEW DELHI: Pakistan is not the only country the United States is arming to the teeth in the sub-continent. Washington has offered 12 helicopters on lease to India for surveillance of its vast and vulnerable coastline.
India is actively considering the US offer, said sources.
Defence Ministry officials said the proposal came when India was looking to strengthen its coastal security framework after the Mumbai terror attacks last year. The offer is being seriously considered as the Coast Guard is hampered by lack of enough number of helicopters.
This is the first time that the MoD would be taking aircraft on lease for defence purposes. The officials said the modalities of the lease agreement were being worked out. The US has offered Sikorsky and AugustaWestland helicopters used by its own coastal security agencies.
The Indian Coast Guard wants twin-engine helicopters for aerial surveillance.
Aerial patrol is going to be the key area of emphasis in the coastal security structure that is being put in place. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been asked to deliver 12 Dorniers to Coast Guards as early as possible.
The MoD is preparing at least a dozen tenders for buying speed boats and other vessels for the coastal agencies.
The 12 helicopters from the US along with an equal number of Dorniers are expected to boost the strength of coastal agencies.
Apart from the US helicopters, the MoD was also looking fo r similar offers from private vendors.
Gautam Datt
First Published : 06 Jun 2009 12:17:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
NEW DELHI: Pakistan is not the only country the United States is arming to the teeth in the sub-continent. Washington has offered 12 helicopters on lease to India for surveillance of its vast and vulnerable coastline.
India is actively considering the US offer, said sources.
Defence Ministry officials said the proposal came when India was looking to strengthen its coastal security framework after the Mumbai terror attacks last year. The offer is being seriously considered as the Coast Guard is hampered by lack of enough number of helicopters.
This is the first time that the MoD would be taking aircraft on lease for defence purposes. The officials said the modalities of the lease agreement were being worked out. The US has offered Sikorsky and AugustaWestland helicopters used by its own coastal security agencies.
The Indian Coast Guard wants twin-engine helicopters for aerial surveillance.
Aerial patrol is going to be the key area of emphasis in the coastal security structure that is being put in place. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been asked to deliver 12 Dorniers to Coast Guards as early as possible.
The MoD is preparing at least a dozen tenders for buying speed boats and other vessels for the coastal agencies.
The 12 helicopters from the US along with an equal number of Dorniers are expected to boost the strength of coastal agencies.
Apart from the US helicopters, the MoD was also looking fo r similar offers from private vendors.
