India-US Defence Ties Deepen as Washington Approves Apache, M777 Support Worth $428 Million
News Desk: In a major boost to India-US defence ties, the United States has approved military support packages worth more than $428 million for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light Howitzers, further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries amid evolving regional security challenges.
The approvals were granted by the US State Department under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme and include long-term sustainment support, logistics assistance, technical services, personnel training, spare parts, and engineering support for the Indian Armed Forces.
Apache Helicopter Support Deal Worth $198 Million
According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed package for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters is estimated at approximately $198.2 million.
The package includes sustainment support services, technical documentation, engineering assistance, logistics management, personnel training, repair support, and other related programme assistance required for maintaining operational readiness of the Apache fleet.
American aerospace and defence giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin have been identified as the principal contractors for the Apache support programme.
India currently operates Apache attack helicopters with both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, where the platform is considered one of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world, capable of precision strike and battlefield support operations.
Apache Choppers, Howitzers: US Clears $428 Million Defence Sale To Indiahttps://t.co/sRpGYspbNG pic.twitter.com/tbIJJjXoUD
— NDTV WORLD (@NDTVWORLD) May 19, 2026
M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer Support Cleared
In a separate approval, the US also cleared a proposed support package worth nearly $230 million for India’s M777A2 ultra-light Howitzers.
The package includes ancillary equipment, spares, repair and return services, technical assistance, field service support, training, logistics support, and maintenance-related services aimed at ensuring long-term operational capability of the artillery systems.
BAE Systems has been named as the principal contractor for the M777 support package.
The M777 ultra-light Howitzers are a key part of India’s artillery modernisation programme and have been deployed extensively in mountainous and high-altitude regions, particularly along sensitive border areas.
The U.S. Department of State has approved two major Foreign Military Sales packages for #India worth nearly $428.2 million.
🇮🇳🤝🇺🇸The approvals include:
• $198.2 million for AH-64E Apache helicopter follow-on sustainment, logistics, training, engineering & technical support.… pic.twitter.com/uq8OAPaNAn— IndUS Tech (@TheIndUSTech) May 19, 2026
India Requested Long-Term Sustainment Support
The Indian government had formally requested comprehensive sustainment support services for both the Apache helicopters and the M777 Howitzers, including technical data, training support, logistics management, engineering services, and maintenance assistance.
US officials stated that the proposed sales are intended to support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping strengthen the defence capabilities of a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US State Department also noted that the proposed deals would improve India’s ability to meet current and future threats while enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of India and the United States.
Growing India-US Defence Partnership
The latest approvals come at a time when India and the United States are steadily expanding defence and strategic cooperation through joint military exercises, technology partnerships, defence procurement, and Indo-Pacific security coordination.
Over the past few years, Washington has emerged as one of India’s major defence partners, with both countries increasingly focusing on maritime security, regional stability, and countering emerging geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Defence experts believe the fresh support packages highlight the growing trust and military partnership between New Delhi and Washington as both nations continue to deepen cooperation in critical defence sectors.
