Washington: The United States has formally notified its intention to sell sustainment support services and related equipment for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, with the deal estimated at USD 482.2 million, PTI reported.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which runs the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, released the arms sale notification in the Federal Register on June 17.
Earlier, on May 18, the Department of State notified the US Congress about the possible sale of services for Apache Helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers to India.
India introduced the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, procured from the US through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, to strengthen its artillery capabilities, especially in mountainous terrain.
The Indian Army fields AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters — widely viewed as among the world’s most capable combat helicopters — to carry out precision strikes and provide battlefield support.
According to the notification, India has requested long-term sustainment support for its M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
“The following non-major defence equipment items will be included: ancillary items; spares; repair and return; training; technical assistance; field service representative; depot capability; and other related elements of logistics and programme support. The estimated total cost is USD 230 million,” the notification said.
In a separate notification, the Department of Defence said India has sought sustainment support for its AH‑64E Apaches, including US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support, technical data and publications, crew and personnel training, and other related logistics and programme support.
The Apache sustainment package is valued at about USD 198.2 million.
The Apache support services deal will be led by Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin as principal contractors, while BAE Systems — located in Cumbria, UK — will be the principal contractor for the M777 howitzer support programme.
The Department of Defence said the proposed assistance for helicopters and howitzers will back US foreign policy and national security goals by bolstering the strategic relationship between the US and India.
It will also strengthen the security of a major defence partner that continues to play a vital role in ensuring political stability, peace, and economic progress across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
The proposed sales will boost India’s capacity to address current and emerging threats, enhance its homeland defence, and deter regional threats. The Department of Defence said India will easily integrate these items and services into its armed forces.
The sales would not change the regional military balance and will have no negative impact on US defence readiness, it noted.
