The United States has officially informed about a proposed sale of sustainment support services and related equipment valued at $482.2 million for India’s Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. This move aims to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has issued the notification in the Federal Register following the Department of State’s communication to Congress last month regarding the potential sales.
India has requested long-term sustainment support for its M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, which includes ancillary equipment, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot-level capability, and other logistics support. The proposed M777 support package is valued at around $230 million.
In a separate notification, the US Department of Defense mentioned that India has also sought sustainment support for its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. This support includes engineering, technical and logistics support services from the US government and contractors, technical publications, personnel training, and related program support. The estimated cost for the Apache support package is $198.2 million.
The principal contractors for the Apache program will be Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin, while BAE Systems, headquartered in the United Kingdom, will be the principal contractor for the M777 howitzer support program. India had previously acquired the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers through the US Foreign Military Sales route to bolster its artillery capabilities, especially in high-altitude and mountainous regions. The US Department of Defense emphasized that the proposed sales would reinforce the strategic partnership with India, supporting American foreign policy and national security objectives. It stated that the sale would enhance India’s capability to address current and future threats, strengthen homeland defense, and deter regional threats.
