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The US has notified a proposed USD 482.2 million sustainment support sale for India's Apache helicopters and M777A2 howitzers. The package underscores deeper defence cooperation while helping India maintain critical combat platforms.
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Washington,UPDATED: Jun 22, 2026 10:08 IST
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 Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which administers the US Foreign Military Sales programme, issued the arms sales notification in the Federal Register on June 17.
The move follows the Department of State informing the US Congress on May 18 about the possible sale of services for Apache helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers to India. The proposed support packages cover long-term maintenance, logistics, training and technical assistance for the two platforms used by the Indian armed forces.
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 USD 230 million,” it said.
In a separate notification, the Department of Defence said India has sought 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 logistics and programme support. The estimated cost of the Apache support package is USD 198.2 million.
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.
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 programme.
The Department of Defence said the proposed sale of assistance for the helicopters and howitzers would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by helping strengthen the US-India strategic relationship. It said the sale would improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence and deter regional threats, and that India would have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
It also said the proposed sales would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on US defence readiness. Overall, the notifications cover continued support for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 howitzers through maintenance, logistics, technical backing and training.
With PTI Inputs
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Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jun 22, 2026 10:08 IST
