Cabinet panel clears procuring maritime patrol plane for navy

Clearing the last hurdle in acquisition of the Boeing’s P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, the Cabinet Committee on Security has given a go ahead to sign a technical assistance agreement with the company, an official said Friday.

India inked its largest defence deal with the US, valued at $2.1 billion, to buy eight P-8I patrol aircraft in the beginning of this year.

“The CCS has given its nod to sign the technical assistance agreement. Though it is a formality, we have to sign it as US laws require a separate agreement for company to provide assistance since the delivery of first plane to the last one,” said an Indian Navy official, requesting anonymity.

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