U.S. nod to possible sale of support services for India’s Apache helicopters, M777A2 howitzers

The US has approved the possible sale of support services and related equipment for Apache helicopters to India for an estimated $198.2 billion, the US State Department said.

The State Department also approved a possible sale of support support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers at an estimated cost of $230 million.

The State Department said the prime contractors for the Apache support services agreement will be The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin. The prime contractor for howitzer support will be BAE Systems, Cumbria, United Kingdom.

Ministry of External Affairs said India is looking to purchase AH-64E Apache sustainment support services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; technical data and publications; staff training; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

India had also requested to purchase long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra Light Howitzers.

The following non-main defensive equipment items will be included: auxiliary items; reserves; repair and return; education; technical assistance; field service representative; warehouse capacity; There are also other relevant elements of logistics and program support, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, referring to support services for howitzers.

The sale of possible support services for helicopters and howitzers will take place under Foreign Military Sales channels.

The proposed sale of helicopters and howitzers will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship, the State Department said.

It will also help enhance the security of a major defense partner that remains an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions.

The proposed sales will enhance India’s ability to counter current and future threats, strengthen homeland defense and deter regional threats. The Ministry of External Affairs said India will have no difficulty in incorporating these products and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of equipment and support will not change the basic military balance in the region.

The State Department said this proposed sale would not have a negative impact on U.S. defense readiness.