US Approves $482 Million Military Support Package For India's Apache Helicopters, M777 Howitzers

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 22:45 IST

According to the notification, India sought long-term sustainment support for its M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers from the US.

The United States has formally notified a proposed USD 482.2 million Foreign Military Sale to provide sustainment support services and related equipment for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.

The arms sales notification was published in the Federal Register by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which administers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme of the US, on June 17.

The US Congress was informed about the possible sales of services for Apache Helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers to India by the Department of State on May 18.

India had acquired the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers through the US Foreign Military Sales programme to strengthen its artillery capabilities, particularly for deployment in high-altitude and mountainous regions.

The Indian Army also operates the AH-64E Apache, one of the world’s most advanced attack helicopters, for precision strike, reconnaissance, and battlefield support operations.

According to the notification, India sought long-term sustainment support for its M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers from the US.

“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," the notification read.

In a separate notification, US authorities said India has also requested a comprehensive sustainment package for its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, valued at an estimated USD 198.2 million.

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The package includes engineering assistance, technical and logistics support from the US government and contractors, technical documentation, publications, personnel training, and other programme-related services.

The proposed Apache package will primarily be executed by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, while BAE Systems, based in Cumbria, United Kingdom, has been identified as the lead contractor for the sustainment programme covering India’s M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.

According to the US Department of Defence, the proposed support packages are intended to reinforce the growing defence partnership between Washington and New Delhi.

The department said the sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the capabilities of India, which it described as a major defence partner playing a key role in promoting stability, peace, and economic prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.

The Pentagon further said the support would help India maintain operational readiness against current and emerging security challenges, strengthen its defence preparedness, and improve its ability to deter regional threats.

Reacting to the announcement, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted the expanding defence co-operation between the two countries.

“The United States and India continue to work together daily! Our defence partnership is GROWING. Just today, we announced a USD 230 million sale for a sustainment package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzers is ready to be concluded. This proposed sale supports the national security objectives of the United States while ensuring India maintains a key capability for its national defence," Gor wrote on X.

With inputs from PTI

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