Highlights
- US clears $482.2 million sustainment support package for India
- Covers Apache helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers
- Includes logistics, training, spares, and technical assistance
- Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems are key contractors
- Strengthens US-India defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
THE US has formally notified the proposed sale of sustainment support services and related equipment for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, with the package valued at an estimated $482.2 million.
The notification was issued by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which administers the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, through the Federal Register on June 17. The move follows the Department of State’s notification to the US Congress on May 18 regarding the possible sale of support services for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
India inducted the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, procured from the US under the Foreign Military Sales route, to strengthen its artillery capabilities, particularly in mountainous terrain. The Indian Army also operates AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for precision strike and battlefield support missions.
According to the notification, India has requested long-term sustainment support for its M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
“The following non-major defence equipment items will be included: ancillary items; spares; repair and return; training; technical assistance; field service representative; depot capability; and other related elements of logistics and programme support. The estimated total cost is $230m,” the notification said.
A separate notification from the Department of Defence said India has also requested AH-64E Apache sustainment support services. The package includes US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, technical data and publications, personnel training, and other related logistics and program support.
The estimated cost of the Apache sustainment package is $198.2m.
The principal contractors for the Apache support services package will be Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin. BAE Systems, located in Cumbria, UK, will serve as the principal contractor for the M777 howitzer support program.
The Department of Defence said the proposed sale of assistance for the helicopters and howitzers would support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping strengthen the US-India strategic relationship.
It said the proposed assistance would also improve the security of a major defence partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and south Asia regions.
According to the Department of Defence, the proposed sales will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.
It also said India will have no difficulty absorbing the articles and services into its armed forces.
The Department of Defence added that the proposed sales would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on US defence readiness.
The notifications relate to sustainment support and associated services for equipment already in service with the Indian military. The proposed package covers logistics, engineering, training and technical support intended to help maintain the operational readiness of the Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
The DSCA issued the notifications as part of the US Foreign Military Sales process after the Department of State informed Congress of the possible sales in May.
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