- By Vaidika Thapa
- Tue, 19 May 2026 12:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of over USD 428 million in support services and related equipment to India for its Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultralight Howitzers. The sale aims to enhance defence ties between both the countries and further strengthen the US-India strategic relationship.
What's In The Package?
According to a statement released by the State Department, the proposed sale for Apache helicopters is estimated at USD 198.2 million and includes AH-64E Apache sustainment support services. The long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers is worth around USD 230 million and includes ancillary items, spares, repair and return, training, technical assistance, field service representative, depot capability and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The State Department has announced Boeing and Lockheed Martin as the main contractors for the Apache support package, while BAE Systems will handle the Howitzers' support. The proposed sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening the US-India strategic partnership and bolstering the security of a major defence partner that remains crucial for political stability, peace, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
ALSO READ: Oil Stocks Today: HPCL, IOC, BPCL Shares Surge Over 3% On Fuel Price Hike
"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 to improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the statement noted.
The department further highlighted that this sale would enhance India’s capability to counter current and future threats, improve its homeland defence, and deter regional threats. "India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the statement added.