Jerusalem: Israel is likely to buy the India-manufactured Advance Light Helicopter (AVL) 'Dhruv' for ferrying VIPs and senior Defence officials.

Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI), committed to reciprocal procurement from India following the purchase of Phalcon early warning system, is negotiating with the Ministry of Defence on the deal, Israeli business daily 'Globes' online reported today (Aug 4, 2004).

IAI is expected to purchase the helicopters at a low price given its association in building the international version of Dhruv, it said.

The Israeli aircraft company had supplied the avionics system and glass cockpit for the global version of the ALH and is jointly marketing the product.

The company is likely to be awarded the contract for helicopter transportation of VIPs from the Israeli Air Force, the daily reported quoting Defence sources.

The Israel Air Force dispersed its light helicopter squadron a year ago.

Earlier this week, IAI officials had said that an Indo-Israeli team performed various tests on the ALH in Chile, which has shown keen interest in Dhruv.

Media reports had it that the US Customs were also likely to purchase Dhruv, which has proven reliability even in battlefield conditions.