Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer on Friday said it has signed an agreement with the Indian government for the sale of five 'Legacy' executive jets for VVIP use.
The nod for purchasing the five aircraft worth about Rs 727 crore (Rs 7.27 billion) was given by the Cabinet Committee on Security presided over by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at its meeting on September 3.
The Palam-based Communication Squadron of the Indian Air Force will operate four of the 14-seater jets. This squadron ferries the President, the vice-president, the prime minister and visiting dignitaries.
The Border Security Force will use the fifth aircraft, an Embraer release said.
The new aircraft, to be equipped with 'self-protection suits' to ward off threats from missiles or ground attack, would replace the ageing fleet of Avros which is currently being used the VVIP squadron.
Defence Secretary Ajay Prasad has said the first three aircraft would be delivered within 19 months while the remaining two planes would be handed over two months later.
Besides the 14-seats, the aircraft would have two separate compartments for senior authorities and their staff.