Bangalore: The US Customs plans to buy 10 indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) "Dhruv" built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), sources at HAL said.

The multi-million dollar order for the civil variant of Dhruv would be finalised with the US Customs in a few months jointly by Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd (IAI) and HAL, sources in the Bangalore-based HAL told reporters in Bangalore today (Nov 26).

This is the first major order for HAL from the United States, following the joint marketing agreement with IAI earlier this year in which HAL will supply the helicopter and IAI will integrate the centralised avionics package in ALH for the international market.

"A US team will visit Bangalore later this year for further talks," sources said.

The civil variant of the multi-role Dhruv powered by French Turbomeca TM 333-2M2 engine was recently certified by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and HAL plans to get the aircraft certified by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

Declining to comment on the cost of the deal, sources said, "We are close to finalising the price. We bet, that we should be at least 30 per cent cheaper than any of our competitors in this class."

"One of the factors we clinched for Dhruv was its design and ability to fly at high altitudes of up to six kms because of the powerful engine. And it has been proven by our Defence forces," sources said.

PTI