The United States has approved a $482.2 million military support package for India, aimed at providing long-term maintenance and logistical assistance for key defence platforms operated by the Indian Army, including Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers.
Focus on Long-Term Sustainment
The approval, notified by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), is part of the Foreign Military Sales programme. It focuses on sustaining existing platforms rather than supplying new weapons systems.
India has requested dedicated support packages to ensure operational readiness of its Apache helicopters and M777 artillery systems, which are critical to its battlefield capabilities.
Breakdown of the Package
The larger share, valued at around $230 million, will support the M777A2 howitzer fleet with spare parts, technical assistance, training, repair services, logistics support and depot-level maintenance.
A separate package worth about $198.2 million will provide sustainment support for the Apache attack helicopter fleet, including engineering assistance, maintenance services, logistics management and training support.
Strategic Role of Apache and M777 Systems
The M777A2 howitzers, inducted through the US FMS route, are widely used for high-altitude operations and rapid deployment in difficult terrain.
The AH-64E Apache helicopters are deployed by the Indian Army for precision strikes, reconnaissance missions and combat support roles, making them a key part of India’s air combat capability.
Major Defence Companies Involved
Boeing and Lockheed Martin are expected to lead support work for the Apache fleet, while BAE Systems will handle sustainment of the M777 artillery systems. These contracts reflect the long-term service ecosystem built around India’s imported defence platforms.
Rising Cost of Defence Maintenance
The package also highlights the growing cost of maintaining advanced military systems, where lifecycle support often runs into hundreds of millions of dollars. Even as India pushes for domestic defence production, imported systems continue to require significant recurring expenditure.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The US Department of Defense said the deal supports broader strategic goals by reinforcing defence cooperation with India, which it views as a key partner in ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
It added that the support package will enhance India’s operational readiness, strengthen deterrence, and improve its ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
