US approves $428 million sustainment support for India’s Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers

New Delhi: The US has cleared two military support packages worth $428 million for India that will cover sustainment support for frontline M777 ultra-light howitzers and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.The Foreign Military Sale - a government-to-government procurement mechanism - will result in sustainment support services for Apache helicopters for an estimated $198 million. The package covers contractor engineering, technical support, personnel training and logistics support services.Also read: DRDO successfully tests UAV-launched missile in air and ground combat modesBoth the Indian Air Force and Army operate Apache helicopters, which are tasked with heavy fire-support missions. The helicopters have also been deployed in high-altitude areas and are known to have conducted training missions in Ladakh as well. IAF currently operates 22 Apache helicopters while Army has six in service."This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions," the US Department of State said in a statement.The other deal cleared is for sustainment support for the M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, estimated at $230 million. The package includes ancillary items, spare parts, repairs, training, technical assistance, logistics and programme support.Also read: India, Vietnam looking at joint production of military hardware"The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the statement said.India has deployed the versatile M777 guns along the Chinese and Pakistani borders, including at high-altitude terrain. The guns performed effectively during Operation Sindoor, with Army using their precision-strike Excalibur ammunition accurately against terror infrastructure.

The State Department said Boeing and Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractors for the Apache package, while BAE Systems will handle support for the M777 Howitzers.

The approvals come amid expanding defence cooperation between India and the United States, which have steadily deepened military ties over the past decade through arms sales, joint military exercises and technology-sharing initiatives.

India is set to receive significant US support for its Apache attack helicopters and M777 howitzers, with deals exceeding $428 million approved by the US State Department. These packages, routed through Foreign Military Sales, will bolster India's defense capabilities and strategic partnership with Washington, enhancing its readiness against regional threats without altering the military balance.