India clears $4.74 billion defence purchase
Official says proposals relating to purchase of air defence guns and long-range patrol aircraft have been cleared
File photo of Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas'. PHOTO: AFP
NEW DELHI:
India's defence ministry has cleared the purchase of military equipment worth $4.74 billion, including four long-range patrol aircraft from US aerospace giant Boeing, an official said Wednesday.
The Defence Acquisition Council, which approves big-ticket purchases, also approved an order for 428 air defence artillery guns during a meeting late Tuesday, the official said.
"The council has cleared proposals relating mainly to purchase of air defence guns and long-range patrol aircraft for the navy," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Read: Those who fear India's new posture have started reacting: Indian defence minister
India last year lifted a cap on foreign investment in defence as the government seeks to revamp its ageing military equipment.
The right-wing government that came to power last year also wants to boost local manufacturing and end the country's status as the world's largest arms importer.
Military purchases had stalled under the previous Congress government, slowing down much-needed investment in the high-profile sector.
The order for four new planes from Boeing follows an earlier deal to buy eight P-8I aircraft from the company in 2009. India has already received seven P-8Is with the eighth expected later this year.
Read: Pakistan surspasses India's nuke count: report
The United States displaced traditional ally Russia as India's top supplier of armaments in 2013 and Washington and New Delhi renewed their 10-year Defence Framework Agreement during President Barack Obama's visit in January.
India's defence ministry has cleared the purchase of military equipment worth $4.74 billion, including four long-range patrol aircraft from US aerospace giant Boeing, an official said Wednesday.
The Defence Acquisition Council, which approves big-ticket purchases, also approved an order for 428 air defence artillery guns during a meeting late Tuesday, the official said.
"The council has cleared proposals relating mainly to purchase of air defence guns and long-range patrol aircraft for the navy," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Read: Those who fear India's new posture have started reacting: Indian defence minister
India last year lifted a cap on foreign investment in defence as the government seeks to revamp its ageing military equipment.
The right-wing government that came to power last year also wants to boost local manufacturing and end the country's status as the world's largest arms importer.
Military purchases had stalled under the previous Congress government, slowing down much-needed investment in the high-profile sector.
The order for four new planes from Boeing follows an earlier deal to buy eight P-8I aircraft from the company in 2009. India has already received seven P-8Is with the eighth expected later this year.
Read: Pakistan surspasses India's nuke count: report
The United States displaced traditional ally Russia as India's top supplier of armaments in 2013 and Washington and New Delhi renewed their 10-year Defence Framework Agreement during President Barack Obama's visit in January.