The US has formally notified a proposed sale of sustainment support services and related equipment for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers at an estimated cost of USD 482.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which administers the US Foreign Military Sales program, issued the arms sales notification in the Federal Register on June 17.
The proposed support packages cover long-term maintenance, logistics, training and technical assistance for the two platforms used by the Indian armed forces.
Highlighting the expanding India-US defense partnership, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the proposed sale would help India maintain a critical defence capability while advancing US national security objectives.
"The United States and India continue to work together daily! Our defense partnership is growing. Just today, we announced a USD 230 million sale for a sustainment package for India's M777A2 ultra-light howitzers is ready to be concluded," Gor tweeted.
In a separate notification, the Department of Defence said India has sought AH-64E Apache sustainment support services. The estimated cost of the Apache support package is USD 198.2 million. The Indian Army operates AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for precision strike and battlefield support missions.
The principal contractors for the Apache support services deal will be Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin, while BAE Systems, located in Cumbria, UK, will be the principal contractor for the M777 howitzer support program.
