NEW DELHI, Jul. 4, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- The United States is likely to lease 12 military helicopters to India for more effective surveillance of the Indian coastline, highly placed sources in the defense ministry said Saturday.

The U.S. has offered to give on lease Sikorsky (NYSE:UTX) and Augusta Westland helicopters to India for defense purposes. This is something the U.S. has done for the first time for India.

According to sources, the Indian Coast Guard is undergoing a shortage of helicopters, especially the twin-engine helicopters.

"The Indian Defense Ministry is looking for aerial surveillance aircraft, speedboats and vessels for its coastal security for quite some time now," the sources revealed.

Since coastline security framework is top priority for India, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been asked to deliver 12 Dornier aircraft to Coast Guard at the earliest.

India has also requested private players to make offers for helicopters and other surveillance aircraft.