The Defence Acquisition Council, DAC chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday cleared proposal to acquire 814 artillery guns for around Rs. 16,000 crore.

According to sources, the 155 mm/52 calibre mounted guns will be procured as per the buy and make procedure introduced last year under which 100 such guns would be bought off the shelf while 714 will be made in India.

The DAC also approved the revised payment schedule of 7,160 crore rupees for the Indian Air Force, IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System which aims to integrate all ground and air censors. However the council deferred the decision on joint bid by Tata Sons and Airbus to replace IAF's Avro transport fleet and also procurement of 106 Swiss Pilatus basic trainer aircraft.

According to sources, Mr Parrikar stressed that the procurement policy should be fast and transparent.

He also said that the DAC will meet more frequently, at least once in a month, to expedite acquisition proposals.