US clears USD 428 million defence support package for India’s Apache choppers, M777 howitzers

India will receive Apache sustainment services and M777 artillery support under new US defence deals

May 19, 2026

Apache helicopter support approved

The US cleared sustainment services worth nearly $198 million

The United States has approved two major defence support packages for India worth more than $428 million, covering sustainment services for Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light howitzers.

The proposed deals were cleared under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, according to the US State Department.

Apache helicopter support package approved

India will receive sustainment support services for its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters under a package valued at approximately $198.2 million.

The proposed deal includes:

Engineering support
Technical assistance
Logistics support
Training services
Technical publications and data
Programme support services

The principal contractors for the Apache package are Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

M777 howitzer support worth $230 million

The second package involves long-term support for India’s M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, estimated at around $230 million.

The proposed support includes:

Spare parts
Repair and return services
Technical assistance
Training support
Field service representatives
Depot capability support
Ancillary equipment

BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor for the M777 package.

US says package will strengthen India’s defence capability

The US State Department said the proposed sales align with Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing strategic ties with India.

“The proposed sales will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats,” the department said.

The US also stated that the support packages would not alter the “basic military balance” in the region.

Focus on Indo-Pacific partnership

The approval comes amid expanding defence cooperation between India and the United States, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Washington said India would face “no difficulty” integrating the support systems into its armed forces and added that the sales would have “no adverse impact” on US military readiness.

India already operates Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers as part of its modernisation efforts across the Army and Air Force.

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