The US has announced the sale of support services for India’s Apache helicopters, the M777A2 howitzer
The estimated cost of the Apache support package is $198.2 million. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
The US has formally announced the proposed sale of support services and related equipment for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 ultralight howitzers at an estimated cost of $482.2 million.
The Defense Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which administers the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, published a notice of the arms sale in the Federal Register on June 17.
“The United States and India continue to work together every day! Our defense partnership is growing. Just today we announced the sale of a $230 million support package for India’s M777A2 ultralight howitzers that is ready to close,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said in a post on X.
“This proposed sale supports the national security objectives of the United States while ensuring that India retains a key capability for its national defense,” the post said.
On 18 May, the State Department informed the US Congress about the possible sale of services for Apache helicopters and the M777A2 ultralight howitzer to India.
India has inducted the M777A2 ultralight howitzers, procured from the US under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, to strengthen its artillery capabilities, particularly in mountainous terrain.
The Indian Army also operates AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, considered to be among the most advanced combat helicopters in the world, for precision strike and battlefield support missions.
According to the announcement, India has requested long-term support for its M777A2 ultralight howitzers.
“The following non-significant items of defense equipment will be included: utility items; spare parts; repairs and returns; training; technical assistance; field service representatives; depot capacity; and other related logistics and program support elements. The estimated total cost is $230 million,” the announcement said.
In a separate announcement, the Defense Ministry said India has requested support services for the AH-64E Apache, US government and supplier engineering, technical and logistical support services, technical data and publications, personnel training and other related logistical and programmatic support.
The estimated cost of the Apache support package is $198.2 million.
The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractors for the Apache support services agreement, while Cumbria, UK-based BAE Systems will be the prime contractor for the M777 howitzer support program.
The Department of Defense said the proposed sale of helicopter and howitzer aid would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to strengthen the strategic relationship between the U.S. and India.
It will also help improve the security of a major defense partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions.
The proposed sales will improve India’s ability to counter current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these items and services into its armed forces, the Defense Ministry said.
The proposed sales would not alter the fundamental military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on US defense preparedness.
Published – 23 Jun 2026 01:24 IST