US clears $428 million military support package for India’s Apache helicopters and M777 Howitzers

The United States has approved two major military support deals for India worth a combined $428 million, further strengthening defence ties between the two countries amid growing strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to press releases issued by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the US State Department has cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale for follow-on support services for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, along with long-term sustainment support for the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzer artillery system.

The Apache support package is valued at approximately $198.2 million. It includes engineering, logistics and technical support services, training, technical publications and other programme-related assistance for India’s AH-64E Apache fleet. The principal contractors for the package are Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Separately, the US approved a $230 million sustainment package for India’s M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The package includes spares, repairs, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, training and logistics support. The principal contractor for the deal is BAE Systems.

US-India partnership

The US government said both proposed sales are intended to support the foreign policy and national security objectives of Washington by strengthening the US-India strategic partnership. The statement described India as a “major defence partner” that plays an important role in promoting political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

According to the State Department, the support packages will help India improve its ability to respond to current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence and deter regional challenges. The US also said India would have “no difficulty” integrating the equipment and support services into its armed forces.

The statement further noted that the proposed sales would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on US defence readiness.

India has steadily expanded defence cooperation with the United States over the past decade through military purchases, joint exercises and technology partnerships. Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light howitzers have become key components of India’s modernisation efforts, particularly in high-altitude and rapid deployment operations along sensitive border regions.