Reports noted that the US has offered to lease 12 surveillance helicopters, made by Sikorsky and Augusta Westland, in order to help maintain effective coastline surveillance. Coastline security has assumed priority in the aftermath of the terrorist strikes in Mumbai in November 20081.

• 1. “United States Offers India to Lease 12 Surveillance Helicopters,” June 29, 2009, at http://www.india-defence.com/reports/4474