Washington: In a major boost to defence cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, the United States has approved a military support package worth nearly $428 million for India’s Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light howitzers.
The approval was cleared by the US State Department under the Foreign Military Sales programme and includes long-term maintenance, logistics, technical support and operational assistance for key Indian military platforms.
Of the total package, around $198 million has been approved for sustainment services related to India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
The support will include engineering services, logistics assistance, technical documentation, training modules and programme management support aimed at ensuring the combat readiness of the helicopter fleet.
The primary contractors for this segment are expected to be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, both of which are major suppliers for advanced US defence systems.
Separately, Washington has also approved an estimated $230 million support package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzers.
This portion of the agreement covers long-term servicing, spare parts, repairs, field support representatives, technical assistance and training support for artillery operations.
BAE Systems, based in the United Kingdom, will serve as the principal contractor for the howitzer sustainment programme.
The US State Department said the proposed support package is intended to deepen strategic defence ties with India and strengthen military interoperability between the two countries.
Officials described India as a critical defence partner and an important pillar of stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
The support package is designed to help India improve operational preparedness and enhance its ability to address evolving regional security challenges.
Washington also stated that the sale would contribute to India’s long-term defence modernisation goals without altering the existing military balance in South Asia.
The department further noted that India is fully capable of integrating the approved systems and services into its armed forces structure.
There would be no adverse effect on US military readiness as a result of the proposed transaction, officials added.
The latest approval reflects the growing pace of defence collaboration between the two democracies as strategic cooperation continues to expand across security, technology and regional stability frameworks.
