The US Department of State has approved two possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to India, with a total estimated value of $428.2m, covering sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers and follow-on support services for AH-64E Apache helicopters.
India has requested long-term sustainment support for its fleet of M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The support includes ancillary items, spares, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, and other related logistics and programme support components.
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The estimated value of this package is $230m, with BAE Systems designated as the principal contractor.
For the AH-64E Apache helicopters, India is seeking follow-on sustainment services, which include engineering, technical, and logistics support from both the US Government and contractors, technical data and publications, personnel training, and related programme and logistics support.
Boeing and Lockheed Martin have been named as the main contractors for this support, which is valued at $198.2m.
The Department of State said the proposed sales will support the “foreign policy and national security objectives” of the US by strengthening the US-Indian strategic relationship.
The sales will also enhance the security of a “major defence partner” that remains an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
In addition, these sales aim to improve India’s ability to address present and future threats, enhance homeland defence, and deter potential regional threats.
The equipment and support packages are not expected to alter the basic military balance in the region.
Additionally, the Department stated that there will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of these transfers.
The FMS approval follows a recent demonstration by the Indian Army during Exercise Brahmastra at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, where Apache attack helicopters demonstrated precision strike capabilities by launching AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, firing rockets, and conducting live gunfire exercises.
