The United States has approved a significant defence support package for India, valued at $428.2 million, encompassing sustainment services for Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers. This move strengthens the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
Details of the Support Package
The US Department of State cleared the potential sale of support services and related equipment for AH-64E Apache helicopters, estimated at $198.2 million. Additionally, sustainment support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, previously purchased by India, was approved for an estimated $230 million. The combined total of the support package stands at $428.2 million.
Principal Contractors
Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractors for the Apache support services deal. For the howitzer support, BAE Systems, based in Cumbria, UK, will be the principal contractor.
Strategic Significance
The State Department stated, "The Government of India has requested to buy long-term sustainment support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers." It added, "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US 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."
Regarding the Apache support, the US statement noted, "The Government of India has requested to buy 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."
Impact on Regional Balance
The State Department emphasized that "the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region." It further stated that the deal will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
Background of Previous Acquisitions
India had earlier acquired a total of 28 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the US in two separate deals for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army. The IAF deal was valued at $2.2 billion, and the Army deal at $930 million. All helicopters have been delivered. Twenty-two helicopters were delivered to the IAF between 2019 and 2020, while the Indian Army received six Apaches in batches of two in December 2025.
On November 30, 2016, the Indian government signed a government-to-government contract with the US to purchase 145 M777A2 ultra-light howitzers. The $737 million deal was finalized under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. BAE Systems supplied the first 25 guns in ready-to-use "fly-away" condition, while the remaining 120 guns were assembled in India in partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems to support domestic defence manufacturing.
