US Clears $428 Million Defense Package For India

WASHINGTON, DC -The United States has approved two possible Foreign Military Sales to India worth a combined $428.2 million, covering follow-on support for AH-64E Apache helicopters and sustainment support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, the US State Department said.

The proposed deals were announced by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs in separate congressional notifications issued on May 18.

The larger package, valued at an estimated $230 million, relates to long-term sustainment support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers.

According to the State Department, the package includes ancillary items, spares, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, and other logistics and program support elements.

The principal contractor for the howitzer support package will be defense company BAE Systems.

In a separate notification, the State Department approved a possible $198.2 million sale linked to Apache helicopters. “The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India for its purchase of Apache Helicopters follow-on support services and related equipment,” the statement said.

India has requested AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, along with engineering, technical and logistics support services, technical data and publications, personnel training, and related programme support.

The principal contractors for the Apache-related package are aerospace and defense companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

The State Department said the proposed sales would support Washington’s broader strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen the US-India strategic partnership. (IANS)