US approves Apache helicopter, M777 support deal for India
Washington DC, May 19
The US State Department has approved the possible sale of support services and related equipment for Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light Howitzers to India in deals worth more than USD 428 million.
The proposed sale for Apache helicopters is estimated at USD 198.2 million and includes AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, and long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers is worth around USD 230 million
The principal contractors for the Apache support package will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, the State Department said. BAE Systems serves as the principal contractor for the Howitzers' support.
The State Department said that India has requested to buy AH-64E Apache sustainment support services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
For the Howitzers, the US said that 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 program support.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions," US State Department said.
The State Department said that the sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.
Highlighting India's military capabilities, they said, "India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces."
Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army on Thursday demonstrated the combat strength of its latest attack helicopter, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, during a live firing exercise 'Brahmastra' at the Pokhran Firing Range.The demonstration by the army underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.
The Apaches carried out precision strikes using AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and onboard gun systems, hitting designated targets with accuracy in a simulated battlefield environment.The exercise aimed to test both operational readiness and coordination between pilots and ground crews.
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world.It is equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. The Indian Army's latest attack choppers also have the ability to operate in all-weather conditions, including at night.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Happy to see India strengthening its defence partnerships. The M777 howitzers are proven systems that will give our artillery a major boost in mountainous regions. But I hope we're also investing in our own DRDO projects alongside these imports - Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence shouldn't just be a slogan. Overall positive step. 🚀
As someone from the US, I think this is a smart move for both countries. India is a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, and these deals strengthen that relationship. The Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers are top-quality equipment that will serve India well. Good to see Washington supporting this partnership.
This is good for deterrence against our neighbours, no doubt. Apaches are proven in battle and M777s are incredibly effective in high-altitude warfare. But honestly, I wish we were buying more from our own defence industry. At $428 million, that's a lot of money that could have gone to HAL and other Indian firms. We need to balance imports with indigenisation. Still, the military needs what it needs. 🇮🇳
Positive development! The live firing exercise 'Brahmastra' at Pokhran shows our forces are ready to use these systems effectively. The Apaches with Hellfire missiles and night-vision capability will be game-changers for our ground support operations. Just hope the service support contracts are smooth - our experience with defence maintenance from foreign vendors hasn't always been great. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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