Separately, BAE Systems will support the M777 howitzers acquired by India in 2016
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JOHAN NILSSON / TT
The US has given the go-ahead for the possible sale of $198.2 billion in support services and related equipment for 28 Apache helicopters for the Indian armed forces, to be delivered from 2019.
The US State Department has also approved a possible sale of sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, valued at $230 million.
Boeing, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems named contractors
According to the US State Department, the principal contractors for the deal to provide support services for Apache helicopters will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, while BAE Systems, based in Cumbria, UK, has been designated as the principal contractor for the howitzer 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.
Of the 28 Apaches, 22 are with the Indian Air Force, which were delivered between 2019 and 2020. Another 6 Apaches were inducted into the Indian Army Aviation Corps in late 2025.
Support packages to be routed through Foreign Military Sales
Through the Foreign Military Sale channels, the possible sale of support services for the helicopters and the howitzers will be realised.
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. The Indian Army acquired 145 M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers from the US way back in 2016.
US says deal will strengthen Indo-Pacific stability
“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,” the State Department observed.
The sale, the State Department believes, will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats.
India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces, the Department of State said.
Published on May 19, 2026
