US clears $428.2 million package to keep India’s Apache fleet and M777 howitzers battle-ready

The United States has approved two military support packages for India worth an estimated $428.2 million, covering sustainment support for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers amid deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.

The approvals, cleared under the US Foreign Military Sales programme, come at a time when India and the United States are expanding strategic and military coordination across the Indo-Pacific region. Washington has repeatedly described India as a key defence partner and an important force for stability in South Asia.

Advertisement

According to notifications issued by the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs on May 18, the larger package worth around $230 million relates to long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.

The proposed package includes spares, repair and return services, technical assistance, personnel training, depot capability, field service representatives and other logistics and programme support elements. BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor for the howitzer-related support package.

In a separate approval, the US cleared a possible $198.2 million package linked to India’s Apache helicopter fleet.

The package includes AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, engineering and logistics support, technical publications, personnel training and other programme support services. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are listed as the principal contractors for the Apache support package.

What the US said on the India defence package

In both notifications, the US State Department said the proposed sales would strengthen the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship,” the State Department said.

The US also said the support packages would help India improve its capability to tackle “current and future threats”, strengthen homeland defence and deter regional threats.

Washington further noted that the proposed sales would not alter the military balance in the region or affect US defence preparedness.

Apache helicopters recently featured in Army exercise

The approval comes weeks after the Indian Army showcased the combat capability of the Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters during the ‘Brahmastra’ live firing exercise at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan.

During the exercise, the helicopters carried out precision strikes using Hellfire missiles, rockets and onboard gun systems in a simulated battlefield scenario.

The Apache helicopters are equipped with advanced targeting systems, Longbow radar, night-vision sensors and all-weather operational capability, making them among the most advanced combat helicopters in service globally.

India and the United States have significantly expanded defence cooperation over the past decade through arms deals, military exercises and technology-sharing initiatives.