India to Receive $482 Million Apache, M777 Maintenance Package Under US Foreign Military Sales Program

PTI| A deal has been struck between the US and India for the sale of equipment and maintenance of the latter's Apache helicopters and Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH). The deal has a value of $482.2 million. This was notified by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which is responsible for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS), in the Federal Register dated June 17.

Earlier, on May 18, the US Department of State notified Congress on the proposed sale of Apache helicopter support services and M777A2 Ultra Light Howitzers to India. India purchased the M777A2 ULH from the US as part of its plans to increase the capacity of its artillery particularly in mountains. India's Army has AH-64E Apache attack helicopters that are some of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world.

According to the notification, India has requested long-term maintenance support for the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. This package will include support equipment, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability development, and elements related to logistics and program support. The estimated cost of this support package is $230 million.