Summary India last year lifted a cap on foreign investment in defence.
NEW DELHI (AFP) - 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.
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.
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.
