WASHINGTON: The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2.42 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday.

India`s potential purchase of P-8 aircraft would help expand its maritime surveillance capabilities.

The package would include tactical radio, missile warning sensors, GPS systems, support equipment, spares and technical support, the Pentagon said.

The Pentagon`s Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday.

Despite approval by the State Department, the notificadondoesnotindicatethatacontracthasbeensignedorthat negotiations have concluded. The Pentagon said Boeing was the prime contractor for the weapons. India`s first purchase of P-8I aircraf t was in 2009.-Reuters