US boosts India's combat readiness with proposed $482.2m deal to support Apache helicopters and M777A2 howitzers

The United States has formally announced the proposed sale of support services and related equipment for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 ultralight howitzers, with the total package estimated at $482.2 million.

The notice was issued by the Defense Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which oversees the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, and was published in the Federal Register on June 17.

The move follows the US State Department’s announcement to Congress on May 18 about the potential sale of support services for two key Indian military platforms.

Two main support packages

According to the announcement, India has requested long-term support aimed at maintaining the operational readiness of its fleet of Apache helicopters and M777A2 howitzers.

The support package for the M777A2 ultralight howitzers is estimated at $230 million, while the Apache helicopter support program is valued at $198.2 million.

Together with associated equipment and services, the total proposed package is estimated at US$482.2 million.

Support for M777A2 howitzers

India has inducted the M777A2 ultralight howitzers through the US Foreign Military Sales program to strengthen its artillery capabilities, particularly in mountainous and high-altitude areas.

Under the proposed arrangement, India sought comprehensive support for artillery systems.

“The following non-significant items of defense equipment will be included: utility items; spare parts; repair and return; training; technical assistance; field service representatives; depot capacity; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $230 million,” the announcement said.

The M777 howitzers are a key component of the Indian Army’s long-range firepower and are designed for rapid deployment in difficult terrain.

Apache helicopter support

In a separate announcement, the US Department of Defense said India has requested extensive support services for its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

The proposed package includes technical, logistical and training assistance along with technical documentation and program support.

According to the announcement, India has requested “Apache AH-64E sustainment support services, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services, technical data and publications, personnel training, and other related logistical and programmatic support.”

The Apache support package is estimated at $198.2 million.

The Indian Army operates the AH-64E Apache, widely regarded as one of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world, for precision strike, anti-armor and battlefield support missions.

Involvement of major defense contractors

The main suppliers of the Apache support package will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

BAE Systems, based in Cumbria, UK, will be the prime contractor for the M777A2 support program.

Strengthening the India-US strategic partnership

The US Department of Defense said the proposed sales are in line with Washington’s broader strategic goals and will strengthen defense cooperation with India.

The proposed sale of helicopter and howitzer aid will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship, the department said.

The Pentagon has described India as a major defense partner and an important contributor to stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions.

Strengthening India’s Defense Preparedness

According to the US government, these support packages will improve India’s ability to meet current and future security challenges.

The proposed sale will improve India’s ability to counter current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats, the Defense Ministry said.

Officials also noted that India would have no difficulty integrating support services into its existing military infrastructure.