Gary Fitleberg, November 28, 2004

The Israel Aircraft Industry and the Defense establishment will purchase an Indian-made helicopter as part of a bilateral purchase agreement between the two countries.

The helicopter, called Dhruv, will be used for civilian purposes, mainly for transporting VIPs.

Under the bilateral weapon deal, the Indian government promised to purchase from Israel the airborne radar system Falcon.

The Israeli commitment in the agreement is estimated at dozens of millions of dollars. Israel also promised to operate and promote the Hindustan Aeronautics helicopter.

IAI pilots have already tested the helicopter and displayed it in an aviation fair in Chile.

IAI spokesman Doron Soslik said that talks were being held between the two sides over the deal and that all its terms are yet to be finalized.

The Dhruv broke in November the world record by flying at an altitude of around 8,000 meters in the Himalayan mountain ridge.

Israel is the second country to purchase the helicopter after Nepal.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg