US Approves $482 Million Support Package for India’s Apache Helicopters, M777 Howitzers

The United States has formally notified a proposed $482.2 million defence support package for India’s Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers , aimed at strengthening the operational readiness and long-term sustainment of key military platforms operated by the Indian armed forces.

The notification was issued by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) , which administers the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, in the Federal Register on June 17. The move follows the US Department of State’s communication to Congress on May 18 regarding the proposed sale of sustainment services and related equipment.

Under the package, India has sought long-term support for its fleet of M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers , with an estimated cost of $230 million . The support package includes spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot-level maintenance capability, and other logistics support elements.

A separate package worth around $198.2 million will provide sustainment support for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters , including engineering assistance, technical and logistics support, technical documentation, personnel training, and related programme services.

The Apache support programme will involve Boeing and Lockheed Martin as principal contractors, while BAE Systems will support the M777 howitzer programme.

India inducted the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers through the FMS route to enhance artillery capabilities, particularly in challenging mountainous terrain along its borders. The Indian Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters provide advanced combat capabilities, including precision strikes, reconnaissance, and battlefield support.

The US Department of Defence said the proposed sale would strengthen the US-India strategic defence partnership and support shared security objectives in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions . Washington said the assistance would improve India’s ability to address current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence capabilities, and contribute to regional stability.

The Pentagon also noted that the proposed support package would not alter the existing military balance in the region and would not have any adverse impact on US defence readiness.