NEW DELHI: Indias 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.
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 countrys status as the worlds 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.
The United States displaced traditional ally Russia as Indias top supplier of armaments in 2013 and Washington and New Delhi renewed their 10-year Defence Framework Agreement during President Barack Obamas visit in January.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
