New Delhi: India on Tuesday cleared defence purchases worth over Rs.290 billion ($4.5 billion) at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

Among the proposals cleared by the DAC at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was the purchase for Rs.4,380 crore of an additional four Boeing P8I maritime surveillance aircraft.

Also approved was a Rs.16,900 crore proposal for replacing the 1960s vintage L70 and ZU 23 anti-aircraft guns. Official sources said 428 guns will be acquired under the 'buy and make in India' clause of the Defence Procurement Proceddure (DPP).

Other proposals cleared include upgradation of the weapons and sensor systems of six ships of the Delhi and Talwar class for Rs.2,900 crore, a Brahmos training facility in Gujarat for Rs.30 crore and an air combat manoeuvring system for the Indian Navy's MiG-29Ks and Hawk aircraft for Rs.200 crore. (IANS)