The United States has formally notified the proposed sale of sustainment support services and related equipment for India's fleet of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, with an estimated total cost of USD 482.2 million. The notification was issued by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which administers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, and was published in the Federal Register on June 17.
Details of the Proposed Sale
The DSCA notification outlines two separate support packages. For the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, India has requested long-term sustainment support valued at an estimated USD 230 million. This package includes ancillary items, spares, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
In a separate notification, the Department of Defence stated that India has also sought AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, including 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 for the Apache support package is USD 198.2 million.
Background and Strategic Context
India inducted the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, procured from the US under the FMS route, to bolster its artillery capabilities, particularly in mountainous terrain. The Indian Army also operates AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, regarded as among the world's most advanced combat helicopters, for precision strike and battlefield support missions. The proposed sale follows a notification to the US Congress on May 18 regarding the possible sales.
Principal Contractors
The principal contractors for the Apache support services deal will be Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin. For the M777 howitzer support programme, BAE Systems, located in Cumbria, UK, will be the principal contractor. The Department of Defence emphasised that the proposed sale of assistance for helicopters and howitzers will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.
