WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19 (ANI): 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. Long-term sustainment support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers is valued at approximately USD 230 million.
The principal contractors for the Apache support package will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, the State Department said. BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor for the howitzer support package.
The State Department said India has requested to purchase AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, along with US 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 the package would include ancillary items, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability and other related logistics and program support elements.
“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 improve the security of a major defense partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the US State Department said.
The State Department added that the sale would improve India’s capability to address current and future threats, strengthen homeland defense and deter regional threats.
Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the department said, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army demonstrated the combat strength of its latest attack helicopter, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, during the live-fire exercise “Brahmastra” at the Pokhran Firing Range.
The exercise highlighted the Army’s increasing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.
The Apaches carried out precision strikes using AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and onboard gun systems, successfully hitting designated targets in a simulated battlefield environment.
The exercise was aimed at testing operational readiness and coordination between pilots and ground crews.
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is considered among the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters. It is equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, along with advanced targeting systems including the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors.
The Indian Army’s latest attack helicopters are also capable of operating in all-weather conditions, including nighttime missions. (ANI)
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