NEW DELHI, Feb 16 (Reuters) – The Indian government on Friday gave initial approval for the purchase of 15 maritime patrol aircraft from Airbus and six air-refuel aircraft, officials said.

The defence acquisition council, the top Defence Ministry body for arms acquisition, approved projects worth 845.6 billion rupees ($10.19 billion) for the country’s armed forces and coast guard, the government said in a statement.

Initial approval, called Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), was given for Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Aircraft for the navy and the coast guard.

Photo Rob Vogelaar