The United States has greenlit two potential Foreign Military Sales to India totaling $428.2 million. This includes support for AH-64E Apache helicopters and maintenance for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers. The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs disclosed these deals in congressional notifications on May 18.
One of the agreements covers long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, valued at around $230 million. The package encompasses various elements such as spares, training, technical assistance, and depot capability. BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor for this howitzer support.
In a separate notification, the State Department authorized a potential $198.2 million sale related to Apache helicopters. This involves follow-on support services for AH-64E Apaches, including technical and logistics support, personnel training, and related equipment. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the principal contractors for this Apache-related package.
Both notifications emphasized that these sales align with the US strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region. The proposed deals aim to enhance the US-Indian strategic relationship, bolster India’s defence capabilities, and contribute to regional security. The State Department highlighted that India’s absorption of these articles and services into its armed forces would be seamless.
The approvals reflect the expanding defence collaboration between India and the United States, which have strengthened military ties through arms sales, joint exercises, and technology-sharing initiatives over the past decade.
