US approves massive defence package for India covering Apache Helicopters, M777 guns

Washington: The United States has cleared two potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) packages for India worth a combined $428.2 million, covering sustainment support for AH-64E Apache helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, according to notifications issued by the US State Department.

The approvals were announced by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs through separate congressional notifications dated May 18.

The larger package, valued at an estimated $230 million, relates to long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.

“The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India, sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers,” the notification said.

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The proposed package includes “ancillary items; spares; repair and return; training; technical assistance; field service representative; depot capability; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” the statement added.

BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor for the howitzer support package.

In a separate notification, the State Department approved a possible $198.2 million package linked to Apache helicopters.

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“The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India for its purchase of Apache Helicopters follow-on support services, and related equipment,” the statement said.

India has requested “AH-64E Apache sustainment support services; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other related elements of logistics and program support.”

The principal contractors for the Apache package are Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

The State Department said both proposed sales align with Washington’s broader strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the State Department said in both notifications.

The US also stated that the proposed deals would “improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.”

According to the notifications, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”

The State Department further said the proposed sales “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and would have “no adverse impact on US defence readiness”.