The United States has approved a major defence support package for India, clearing sustainment and logistics assistance for Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers in a deal valued at approximately $428 million, aimed at strengthening long-term operational readiness of key military platforms.

According to the US Department of State, the approval covers Apache AH-64E helicopter sustainment support services along with engineering, technical, logistics assistance, training, and maintenance-related elements. The principal contractors for the Apache support package are expected to be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, both of which are already major suppliers in India’s defence ecosystem.

In a parallel approval, the US has also cleared long-term sustainment support for the M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, with UK-based defence manufacturer BAE Systems identified as the principal contractor for the artillery support package. The assistance includes spare parts, repair services, training, technical data, and field-level maintenance support.

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The US State Department said the proposed sales fall under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework and are intended to enhance India’s operational capabilities, particularly in maintaining advanced systems already in service. It added that the support packages are designed to improve readiness, strengthen homeland defence capabilities, and enhance interoperability between the two defence partners.

Officials also stated that the deals are not expected to alter the regional military balance or impact US defence readiness. Instead, Washington described the approvals as part of broader efforts to deepen strategic defence cooperation with India, which it views as a key partner in maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

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