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.