Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be considering the acquisition of 10 P8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy

New Delhi: On the eve of the visit by Admiral John Aquilino, the US Pacific Command chief, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and including the three armed forces chiefs, will look at, once again, at a three billion dollar mega-deal — the purchase of 10 P8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy.

This is the second time the issue comes up in a DAC meeting even though this is a repeat order — the Indian Navy has purchased the plane earlier — as it comes in the wake of the COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. "As a result, the equipment on the plane and the cost will change," high-level government sources said.

The P8i is a long-range (more than 1,200 nautical miles) aircraft for surveillance and also, anti-submarine operations. The USA has been pushing this deal which comes up before the DAC towards the end of this month. Admiral Aquilino arrives for meetings with the Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh, and other officials, on October 27 for a three-day visit.