WASHINGTON, May 19, 2026 — The United States State Department has approved two Foreign Military Sales (FMS) sustainment packages for India worth a combined $428.2 million, aimed at maintaining the operational readiness of India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
The proposed agreements, notified to the US Congress through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), focus on long-term maintenance, logistics, technical assistance, training, and lifecycle support for existing Indian military platforms rather than the acquisition of new systems.
US officials stated that the proposed sales support Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defence capabilities of India, which the United States describes as a major defence partner and a key contributor to stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
Apache Helicopter Sustainment Package
The first package, valued at approximately $198.2 million, provides follow-on support for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopter fleet. Boeing and Lockheed Martin have been identified as the principal contractors.
The package includes engineering support, technical and logistics assistance, personnel training, technical documentation, publications, and other programme support services required to maintain operational readiness.
India currently operates 28 AH-64E Apache helicopters acquired through two separate agreements with the United States. The Indian Air Force received 22 helicopters between 2019 and 2020, while six additional helicopters for the Indian Army began arriving in late 2025.
The AH-64E Apache is equipped with a 30 mm M230 chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, Longbow fire-control radar, and advanced targeting and night-vision systems designed for day and night combat operations.
M777A2 Howitzer Support Package
The second package, valued at approximately $230 million, focuses on sustainment support for India’s M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. BAE Systems will serve as the principal contractor for the programme.
The agreement includes spare parts, repair and return services, ancillary equipment, technical assistance, field service representatives, training support, depot-level maintenance capability, and related logistics services.
India originally ordered 145 M777A2 howitzers under a $737 million agreement signed in 2016. The first 25 systems were delivered in fully assembled “fly-away” condition, while the remaining 120 were assembled in India through cooperation between BAE Systems and Mahindra Defence Systems.
The M777A2 is designed using lightweight titanium and aluminium alloys, allowing rapid deployment by helicopters and transport aircraft. The artillery system has been extensively deployed in high-altitude and mountainous regions due to its mobility and operational flexibility.
Focus on Lifecycle Management
The proposed agreements highlight the increasing emphasis within US-India defence cooperation on lifecycle sustainment and long-term operational support for advanced military systems.
Defence officials stated that steady access to spare parts, maintenance infrastructure, technical expertise, and repair capability is essential for ensuring continuous operational availability of frontline military equipment.
The State Department noted that the proposed sales would improve India’s ability to meet current and future security requirements while strengthening homeland defence capabilities and supporting deterrence efforts in the region.
US officials also stated that the agreements would not alter the basic military balance in South Asia and would not affect the readiness of US armed forces.
Expanding US-India Defence Cooperation
The sustainment packages form part of broader defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, which has expanded significantly over the past decade through defence trade, joint military exercises, technology collaboration, and interoperability initiatives.
India has become one of the largest operators of US-origin military systems in the Indo-Pacific region, including transport aircraft, maritime surveillance platforms, helicopters, artillery systems, and naval equipment.
The proposed Foreign Military Sales packages will now undergo a mandatory review period in the US Congress before final implementation under the FMS programme.
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